John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Bishop for his question. As the foreign minister, Mr Smith, told the House of Representatives on 23 February, Pakistan is one of the most strategically important countries in the world. Australia is committed to assisting Pakistan tackle its many internal security, economic and social challenges. Not only is Pakistan important in its own right but in Australia we recognise that the acute problems in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border area have adverse implications for Afghanistan. In addition, the threat of terrorism and extremism in Pakistan itself has become so grave that it is, as President Zardari himself has acknowledged, a threat to Pakistan’s very existence.

Australia condemns the most recent terrorist outrage in Pakistan when, yesterday, eight people were reportedly killed in a bomb attack in Rawalpindi. While we condemn this latest terrorist atrocity, Australia welcomes the news overnight that Senator Bishop referred to: that the government of Pakistan has decided to reinstate Chief Justice Chaudhry and that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called off the long-march protest against the government.

Australia’s strong view remains that democracy and the rule of law are essential parts of achieving peace and stability in Pakistan. We welcome signs that political parties in Pakistan can resolve their differences peacefully and lawfully. Australia does not underestimate the challenges facing Pakistan’s political leaders at this time and we now urge those leaders and the Pakistani people to work together to tackle that country’s internal challenges. (Time expired)