Australians in Pakistan comprise
Australian citizens residing in
Pakistan, which includes expatriates and immigrants, as well as their locally-born descendants.
History
Australian officials and military personnel were present in the region during the
British Raj period, before the independence of Pakistan. Since the early twentieth century,
Australian Defence Force soldiers have received military training at the
Command and Staff College in Quetta. The first Australian attended the college in 1907. Notable Australian soldiers who graduated from the college include Field Marshal
Thomas Blamey and Major-General
George Alan Vasey.[1][2][3]
Demographics
There were over 600 Australians living in Pakistan as of late 2001, based on registrations with the Australian
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.[4][5] By May 2002, this figure was at over 500.[6]
A small Australian community is based in
Karachi, while the remaining are scattered in
Islamabad,
Lahore and other cities.[5]
Community
Many Australian expatriates work for multinational companies. There are currently over 80 Australian companies from different sectors with operations in Pakistan, including large firms such as
BHP.[7]
A small number of Australians work for development agencies and non-governmental organisations such as
World Vision.[8] Others are social workers involved in various types of community work.[9]
For Australian expatriates living in Islamabad, the Coolabah Club attached with the Australian High Commission is a central social venue. The club has dining, swimming and recreational facilities, and a bar serving alcohol is also available for expatriates.[10][11] The community celebrates
Australia Day and various other cultural festivities, which are hosted by the High Commission.[12]
Organisations
The Australian community is diplomatically represented and provided services by the
Australian High Commission in Islamabad.[13] In addition, there is an Australian consulate in Karachi.[14][15] There is also an Australian Cultural Centre in Lahore that is administered by Australians. The centre provides English-language courses and promotes cultural relations between both countries.[16][17][18]