Sada-e-Watan
Sydney ™
sadaewatan@gmail.com
H.E. Mr.Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri
Message from Mr. Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, High Commissioner-designate
I
assumed the responsibilities of the High Commissioner-designate of Pakistan to
the Commonwealth of Australia on 9th September 2021.
Previously I served at
the High Commission for Pakistan, London, Embassy of Pakistan, Washington DC,
and the Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai, besides several assignments at
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan.
For my last assignment, I had
the honour to serve as the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Pakistan and Additional Secretary responsible for the Asia-Pacific region.
Before that I served as Director General (South Asia & SAARC) and Director
General (Afghanistan, Iran & Turkey). I also served as Director General
(Economic Coordination) at the President’s Secretariat and Joint Secretary
(National Security) at the National Security Division.
In these roles, I
had the opportunity to be at the centre of some of the most far-reaching
geo-political and geo-strategic developments having a profound impact not only
on Pakistan and the region but the whole world.
Pakistan’s significance as a
key international player could never be over-emphasized, however recent
developments in the region have further established its credentials as a
partner for peace and development.
In my capacity as High Commissioner of
Pakistan to the Commonwealth of Australia, I would endeavour to bolster
Pakistan-Australia ties. Both our countries share a number of commonalities,
including the Westminster-style democracy, convergence of views on key regional
and international issues and a passion for cricket. My priority would be to
build on the existing relations and broaden their scope, particularly in the
fields of trade and investment, education, technical and vocational training,
agriculture, mining, water resource management, information technology, defence
and security cooperation.
Pakistani Diaspora in Australia serve as bridge between the two countries,
further strengthening the bilateral relations and contributing to the
socio-economic development of both our countries. As High Commissioner of
Pakistan, my prime concern will be to provide maximum facilitation to Pakistani
community and Pakistani students in Australia. I will endeavour to regularly
engage with the Pakistani community to resolve any issues being faced by them
as well as provide efficient consular and other services needed. Support and
input of the community will be critical for effective discharge of my duties in
this regard.
I look forward to serve mutual interests with our
Australian friends, and providing maximum facilitation to the Pakistan
community during my tenure. Together we can achieve a
lot.
