Educational standard of Pakistani students in Australia above average: Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri

Canberra: Pakistani High Commissioner in Australia Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said this week that the educational standard of Pakistani students studying in Australia was above average.

In an interview, he spoke about the steps that have been taken to improve the consular affairs of Pakistanis living in Australia in recent times. The Pakistani High Commissioner also answered the questions of the overseas Pakistanis.

The envoy said Pakistan and Australia have historically enjoyed friendly and cooperative relations. “The foundations of our relations were set when the cameleers from present-day Pakistan travelled to the Australian outback to develop crucial infrastructure that would ultimately become the backbone of Australia’s economic development. These cameleers left an indelible mark on the Australian society,” he added.

The High Commissioner said the special relationship with Australia was strengthened due to the various commonalities between the two countries, including the common English language; similar legal and administrative systems; and Westminster-style democracies.

“Last year, the largest-ever Australia-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group was established in the 47th Parliament of Australia. The group comprises 38 members including the deputy prime minister and defence minister; president of the senate; and speaker of the house of representatives. It has members from both houses of the Australian parliament and representation from all Australian states. Similar parliamentary friendship groups exist in both houses of the parliament of Pakistan as well,” he said.