ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins met the Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Marri at the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) Headquarters in Islamabad on Friday.
Shazia Marri expressed her gratitude on behalf of the government as well as people of Pakistan for the announcement of US$ 2 million humanitarian assistance by the Australian government for the flood affected areas in Pakistan.
Keeping in view the current devastating situation, Pakistan needs help from global community, she added.
The minister said that the Benazir Income Support Program rolled out its operations in the flood affected areas within no time and presently the flood relief activities are operational in 69 districts by establishing more than 400 payment sites.
Shazia Marri congratulated the Neil Hawkins for his appointment as the Australian High Commissioner for Pakistan.
“I am confident that the bilateral relations between the two Countries will further be strengthened during your tenure,” she said.
The federal minister further said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Australia which is rooted in commonality of interests, close people to people contacts and shared passion for cricket and there is enormous scope for enhancement of mutually beneficial economic, trade and investment opportunities.
Shazia Marri appreciated Australian’s support during the recent Plenary Meeting of FATF held in Berlin in June 2022.
The minister also said that as Pakistan offers a large pool of highly skilled human resource, therefore, Pakistan would like to develop a comprehensive partnership with Australia in economic, trade, education and defense, agriculture, climate and science and technology.
