Australia Appoints New High Commissioner to Pakistan

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has announced the appointment of senior diplomat Mr. Tim Kane as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Pakistan.

The appointment underscores the importance Australia places on its longstanding and multi-faceted relationship with Pakistan, a partnership built on a foundation of shared Commonwealth heritage, deep community ties, and a celebrated mutual passion for cricket.

Minister Wong highlighted the strength of the bilateral relationship, stating, “Australia and Pakistan enjoy a long-standing relationship built on community ties, Commonwealth heritage, and shared love of cricket.”

She further emphasised the enduring people-to-people links, noting “a large and flourishing Pakistani community, including more than 120,000 Australians of Pakistani origin and more than 23,000 Pakistani students in Australia.”

The relationship extends beyond community ties to encompass growing commercial relations, particularly in the sectors of agribusiness, textiles and clothing, and education. Furthermore, both nations share strategic interests, with Minister Wong adding, “Our countries have a common interest in promoting peace and stability in our region.”

This cooperation is supported by a unique and enduring defence relationship, with formal ties dating back to 1907, underpinned by the historic connection between the Australian Defence Force and Pakistan’s Quetta Command and Staff College.

Mr. Kane is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and brings a wealth of experience to the role. He was most recently the Director of DFAT’s Victoria State Office. His distinguished diplomatic career includes previous postings as Australia’s Ambassador to Brazil and Ambassador to Chile, as well as assignments in Spain, the United States, and Mexico.

Mr. Kane is expected to take up his appointment shortly replacing outgoing High Commissioner Neil Hawkins.