ISLAMABAD, (TDI): Australia and Pakistan are marking four decades of agricultural collaboration through a creative bus art campaign aimed at promoting water conservation and food security in Pakistan.
The bust art initiative launched by Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkins and Professor Wendy Umberger, CEO of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
This initiative showcases artwork designed to raise awareness about critical agricultural challenges and highlight ongoing efforts, marking a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between Australia and Pakistan.
The initiative features colorful cartoons created by renowned Pakistani cartoonist and Australian alumnus Nigar Nazar, which will be displayed on public buses throughout Punjab.
These eye-catching artworks convey essential messages about sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of addressing climate change challenges, particularly water scarcity.
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High Commissioner Hawkins emphasized the significance of this project, 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.”
Professor Umberger echoed this sentiment, highlighting ACIAR’s longstanding commitment to sustainable practices.
“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.
Over the past 40 years, ACIAR has worked closely with Pakistani farmers, scientists, and policymakers to enhance livelihoods, improve food security, and develop sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.”
The bus art initiative will feature five public buses traversing Punjab’s agricultural heartlands, reaching thousands of commuters daily.
The cartoons aim to inspire viewers to adopt water conservation methods and support sustainable farming practices.
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Nigar Nazar, who completed a professional course at the University of Canberra and received the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz honor from Pakistan’s President in 2023, expressed her excitement about the project.
She remarked, “It’s a privilege to use my art to raise awareness about such critical issues. I hope these messages resonate with the community and encourage positive change.”
This collaborative effort reflects the shared commitment of Australia and Pakistan to foster sustainable agricultural development and tackle the pressing challenges of climate change, ultimately benefiting the livelihoods of countless individuals in the region.
