High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri brings Pakistan, Australia even closer

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Australia, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, continues to garner praise for his tireless diplomatic efforts in reinforcing the historic and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and Australia. His tenure has been marked by a renewed momentum in bilateral cooperation, expanded people-to-people ties, and an elevated profile for Pakistan in the Asia-Pacific region.

Under the diplomatic stewardship of High Commissioner Chaudhri, Canberra and Islamabad have deepened their engagement across sectors, reinforcing shared values and broadening cooperation in both traditional and emerging domains.

Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, a seasoned diplomat and former spokesperson of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has brought a nuanced and proactive approach to his diplomatic mission in Australia. His ability to articulate Pakistan’s regional priorities, including peace, development, and strategic stability, has greatly enhanced Pakistan’s visibility and respect within Australian policymaking circles.

He has been instrumental in elevating security dialogue, facilitating cooperation in counter-terrorism, countering violent extremism, defence exchanges, and law enforcement training, pillars of the bilateral engagement. His leadership has ensured that both countries continue to exchange technical expertise and best practices in the face of shared global security challenges.

High Commissioner Chaudhri has also placed strong emphasis on education diplomacy, with over 21,000 Pakistani international students currently enrolled in Australian institutions as of May 2024. Under his guidance, the Australia-Pakistan education partnership has flourished, with special emphasis on long-term impact programs like the Australia Awards, which support Pakistani scholars in fields vital to national development—such as water security, agriculture, inclusive growth, and women’s empowerment.

He has advocated for equitable and inclusive educational opportunities, promoting bilateral exchange programs and ensuring support for Pakistani students during times of global uncertainty, including the COVID-19 recovery period.

The Pakistani diaspora, numbering over 100,000 in Australia, has emerged as a vibrant and valuable contributor to Australia’s multicultural fabric. High Commissioner Chaudhri has consistently celebrated this community’s achievements in academia, business, culture, and sport, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

From organizing community engagements to cultural events, Chaudhri has played a key role in connecting the diaspora to Pakistan’s diplomatic vision while also encouraging interfaith harmony and civic participation within Australia.

Australia and Pakistan’s relationship is rooted in their Commonwealth connection, shared democratic institutions, legal traditions, and, of course, a mutual passion for cricket. High Commissioner Chaudhri has used this shared heritage as a springboard for building bridges across communities and strengthening parliamentary and institutional ties.

With regional challenges such as the Afghan refugee situation, the evolving Indo-Pacific strategic landscape, and global economic realignments, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri has effectively positioned Pakistan as a constructive regional partner, especially in areas of humanitarian concern and strategic cooperation.