In a vibrant celebration of four decades of agricultural partnership, the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, and the CEO of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Professor Wendy Umberger, have launched an innovative bus art initiative aimed at enhancing water conservation and food security across Pakistan.
This initiative features eye-catching cartoons by renowned Australian alumnus and cartoonist Nigar Nazar, designed to engage the community and promote sustainable farming practices. Nigar Nazar, the first woman cartoonist of Pakistan, is best known character, Gogi – who also features on the bus.
The bus art, which will be displayed on five public buses traversing the agricultural heartlands of Punjab, is intended to raise awareness about climate change impacts, particularly water scarcity, and to encourage the adoption of simple yet effective agricultural practices. The initiative embodies the collaborative spirit that has characterized Australia-Pakistan relations in the agricultural sector for 40 years.
High Commissioner Hawkins emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “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.”
Prof. Umberger echoed this sentiment, highlighting ACIAR’s long-standing commitment to Pakistan: “We are honored 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 bus art initiative is expected to reach thousands of commuters and passersby, providing them with visual reminders of the importance of conserving water and supporting sustainable agriculture. This creative approach aims to foster a culture of environmental responsibility among the community.
Nigar Nazar, whose work is at the heart of this initiative, brings a wealth of experience to the project. Having attended a professional course at the University of Canberra, she was recently honored with the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, a prestigious award conferred by Pakistan’s President in 2023.
As Australia and Pakistan reflect on their collaborative achievements, this unique initiative stands as a testament to their ongoing commitment to sustainable agriculture and community engagement.
Australia commits AUD 3 million for water project in Pakistan
Separately, the governments of Australia and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of subsidiary agreement for the “Climate Resilient and Adaptive Water Allocation in Pakistan” project.
Australia has committed AUD 3 million to a five-year water project in Pakistan, set to be completed by 2029. Following approval from the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary of Economic Affairs, signed a Memorandum of Subsidiary Agreement with Professor Wendy Umberger, CEO of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
The “Climate Resilient and Adaptive Water Allocation in Pakistan” project aims to enhance canal water reliability. It will update the Water Apportionment Accord Tool to incorporate mid-season planning and explore on-farm water storage options. The initiative focuses on achieving climate resilience and equitable water use, ultimately benefiting farming communities through improved social and economic outcomes.