ISLAMABAD: In a celebration marking 40 years of agricultural collaboration between Pakistan and Australia, the Australian High Commission on Thursday hosted an event featuring the unveiling of bus art designed to promote water conservation and food security.

The unique initiative was launched by High Commissioner Neil Hawkins and Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research CEO Prof Wendy Umberger.

The campaign, which would see public buses adorned with cartoons, aimed to raise awareness about sustainable agricultural practices and address the pressing issue of water scarcity. The art was created by respected cartoonist Nigar Nazar, an Australian alumnus, known for her creative work that resonated with communities.

Speaking at the launch, High Commissioner Hawkins highlighted the enduring partnership between Australia and Pakistan.

“For 40 years, Australia has stood beside Pakistan, working to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture and water management. This bus art initiative captures the essence of that collaboration - using creativity to inspire action and connect people in rural and urban Punjab,” he said.

Professor Wendy Umberger emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating, “we are honoured to celebrate this milestone through such a creative and impactful initiative that reaches beyond the fields and into the daily lives of Pakistanis. ACIAR has worked closely with Pakistani farmers, scientists and policymakers over the past 40 years to develop sustainable agricultural practices, improve food security and enhance livelihoods, particularly in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan”.

The project involved five buses that would traverse Punjab’s agricultural regions, displaying the cartoons to thousands of commuters daily.

The initiative aimed to motivate individuals to adopt water-saving techniques and support sustainable farming practices that can help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Nigar Nazar, who attended a professional course at the University of Canberra, also received Tamgha-i-Imtiaz award in 2023 for her contributions to arts.

This creative initiative underscored the longstanding partnership between Australia and Pakistan, which had focused on improving Pakistan’s agricultural sector over the last four decades.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2024