ISLAMABAD, Sept 26: The Australian government will provide 500 scholarships to Pakistani students in Australian universities, Member, House of Representatives, Parliament of Australia, Peter Lindsay said.

He announced this at a meeting with Minister of State for Interior Dr Shahzad Waseem here on Monday. The Australian high commissioner, Zorica McCarthy, was also present on the occasion.

Mr Lindsay is heading an eight-member Australian parliamentary delegation currently visiting Pakistan.

In his remarks, Mr Lindsay said Australia valued her friendly relations with Pakistan and appreciated its contribution to global war against terror. He hoped that these ties would further cement in the future.

Dr Shahzad Waseem said these scholarships were an excellent opportunity for Pakistani students to learn more from Australian schools of excellence and contribute towards better understanding and interaction between the younger generations of the two countries.

The state minister claimed that Pakistan had achieved macro- economic stability and that all key indicators were positive. There was scope for enhancing bilateral trade in areas such as textile, sports, surgical goods and agriculture.

He urged that visa procedure for businessmen and students should be simplified.

The minister emphasized on the importance of the visits of parliamentary delegations to help promote better understanding and cooperation between political leadership and the people of the two countries.

He also said Pakistan had taken various steps to curb human trafficking.

Referring to streamlining of religious seminaries, the state minister said madressahs in Pakistan were being made part of the mainstream education.

Regarding Pakistan’s war against terror, the minister stated that Pakistan was on the forefront in the international war on terror.