“Best wishes to those marking Pakistan Independence Day in 2021.
And warm greetings to Australians of Pakistani heritage here in Australia, who have built their lives in the towns and cities of our nation.
Australia’s friendship with Pakistan embraces a wide and growing spectrum of education and trade, defence and sport. But it is the bonds of family and friendship that give an enduring strength to our relationship.
For generations, Pakistani people have enriched our country with language and history, faith and culture, food and friendship. Together, we have built the most successful multicultural nation on Earth.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an impact on communities around the world, we face enormous global challenges.
Australia has been a proud participant in the global vaccine sharing initiative COVAX, which has assisted in the provision of COVID-19 vaccines to Pakistan. Our confidence in the future –– when our peoples can come together once more –– lies in the united effort to suppress and beat the virus.
The Pakistani community here in Australia has felt the intense pain of separation. Many of you have missed time with family, or mourned their losses from afar. I am so grateful for the sacrifices you have made to keep your families and communities safe.
I know that your celebrations will be subdued again this year. But, in spirit, we gather to mark the progress of Pakistan, and the prosperity and stability of its people.”
Happy Independence Day.
The Hon Scott Morrison MP
Prime Minister of Australia
