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Media Release of Pakistan High Commission Canberra about the Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi Deputy Speaker of Pakistan’s official visit to Australia

Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker of National Assembly of Pakistan is in Australia on a week long official visit, from 24- 31May 2010. He had been invited by the Government of Australia to strengthen parliamentary links between the two countries. His programme in Sydney and Canberra includes extensive interaction with the Commonwealth and NSW Parliamentarians, important Government functionaries and visit to various departments.During his visit to Canberra, the Deputy Speaker held meetings with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, Chairman Senate and Chairmen of various parliamentary Committees. He also delivered a lecture at the Australian National University.
Pakistan Forum, a think tank based in Canberra, organized a function in his honour on 25 May 2010, which was attended by a large number of Pakistani community members and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including Ms. Deborah Stokes, First Assistant Secretary, responsible for Pakistan-Australia relations.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kundi highlighted various achievements of the democratic government in Pakistan. He said that restoration of the Chief justice of Pakistan and Judges of the Supreme Court, independence of judiciary, NFC Award, Baluchistan Package, freedom of press and media and 18th constitutional amendment are some of the landmarks achieved by the present Government in the last two years. These policy achievements will go a long way in strengthening democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan. He expressed Government’s resolve to fight the forces of extremism and terrorism and to restore peace and security, especially in the Northern parts of the country. He commended Australian Development Assistance to Pakistan, especially in the field of agriculture, health and education and emphasized the need to enhance exchange of parliamentary delegations between the two countries.
The High Commissioner of Pakistan, Ms. Fauzia Nasreen extended a warm welcome to the Honourable Deputy Speaker and stated that Mr. Kundi reflects the dynamism and vibrancy of the emerging political leadership in Pakistan. Mr. Kundi has the distinction to be the youngest Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan. He also represents the vision of future democratic system in Pakistan. The High Commissioner expressed her satisfaction over the burgeoning relations between Pakistan and Australia, which are based on mutual respect, share perceptions and joint efforts to counter threats to international peace and security. She said that these diverse and robust relations would be further strengthened by a new generation development partnership agreement between the two countries. She highlighted the importance of Australian humanitarian and Development Assistance to Pakistan. Pakistan was highly appreciative of the Australian capacity building initiatives and support to FODP forum. She also admired the role of Pakistan community organizations in consolidating bilateral ties between the two countries and welcomed the creation of Pakistan Forum, a think tank established with the aim to foster better understanding of Pakistan in Australia.
Ms. Deborah Stokes, First Assistant Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade highlighted the growing significance of Pakistan-Australia relations and the high priority attached to the development of these relations by the top Australian leadership. She said that Australia appreciates the challenges faced by Pakistan and the enormous sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan in dealing with the forces of extremism and terrorism. Australian Development Assistance is focused on assisting Pakistan in meeting its development needs, particularly in the fields of education, agriculture and health care. She underscored the importance of various Australian capacity building initiatives for Pakistan. She said that Australia is a founding member of the FODP and remains committed to the progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan. Australia is supporting Pakistan’s efforts to deal with the security challenges and our defence cooperation has grown astronomically. Australia is now the second largest military training provider to Pakistan. She underlined the significance of Pakistan’s cooperation to sustain Australian commitment in Afghanistan.
On 26 May, the High Commissioner organized a reception in the honour of Mr. Kundi at the Pakistan House, which was attended by a large number of prominent community members and Pakistani scholars from ANU. The Deputy Speaker left Canberra for Sydney on 27 May 2010, where he will meet important NSW state dignitaries and will attend a dinner by the Consulate General of Pakistan and Pakistan Australia Association.

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