With a little help from a DJ, a chef, and a hairdresser, Australia's High Commission in Pakistan has successfully showcased Australia's efforts in Pakistan during its annual Australia Day in Spring (ADiS) festival.

The four day festival, from 11 to 15 April, included receptions and workshops in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore built around the theme 'Promoting Gender Equality and Empowering Women and Girls for the Future.'

"Women's empowerment is one of the most effective methods for promoting economic growth and achieving lasting peace and security," said Australia's high commissioner in Pakistan, Peter Heyward.

Festival highlights included a visit from Melbourne DJ and youth worker, MzRizk (Danielle Rizk) who provided entertainment at receptions and conducted interactive music workshops in each of the cities.

Pakistani-Australian, Faiza Rehman, a former Masterchef Australia contestant (2013) conducted cooking competitions with a particular focus on empowering young women and Melbourne hairdressing trainer and businesswoman, Joann Gan teamed up with Pakistan's Depilex Salons to run workshops for women on best practices in establishing hairdressing and beauty businesses.

The High Commission also hosted receptions in the three cities that included an exhibition of Australia's gender-related development programs in Pakistan, a slideshow of Australian and Pakistani women in male dominated fields and life-size cut outs of Australian sportswomen in traditional male sports that proved to be popular photo props.

The festival is the High Commission's primary vehicle for outreach to business, NGO and government communities and was supported by a number of corporate sponsors.