ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), hosted a commemorative event to observe South Africa’s National Day and Nelson Mandela International Day. The proceedings commenced with the national anthems of Pakistan and South Africa, underscoring the bilateral commitment to shared values of justice and equality.

Distinguished Speakers and Dignitaries

The event featured a high-level panel including Ambassador Moin Ul Haque, Director General of ISSI; Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors, ISSI; Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President of PAIDAR; Muhammad Farooq, High Commissioner of Pakistan to South Africa; and Dr. Amina Khan, Director of CAMEA. The Chief Guest for the session was Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Pakistan, while Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, served as the Guest of Honor.

Diplomatic Ties and Shared History

Ambassador Moin ul Haque emphasized the longstanding warmth in relations between Pakistan and South Africa, which are rooted in a history of mutual respect. He recalled Pakistan’s steadfast support for South Africa’s historic struggle against apartheid and noted the increasing cooperation in multilateral forums. Paying tribute to Nelson Mandela, he described him as a global beacon of resilience and moral courage, noting that his legacy continues to fortify the friendship between the two nations.

Mandela’s Legacy and Global Vision

Acting High Commissioner R. Pierre Jordaan thanked the ISSI for organizing the event, noting that the commemoration honors both South Africa’s democratic evolution and the enduring leadership of Nelson Mandela. He highlighted Mandela’s message of forgiveness, emphasizing that his life serves as a reminder that lasting global peace depends on dialogue, justice, and collective responsibility. He concluded by invoking Mandela’s famous words from ‘Long Walk to Freedom,’ urging current leaders to remain committed to an inclusive world.

Strategic Relations and Future Cooperation

Dr. Amina Khan highlighted CAMEA’s dedication to the ‘Engage Africa’ policy, reaffirming efforts to bolster Pakistan-Africa relations. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed drew parallels between Nelson Mandela and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, noting their shared commitment to securing liberty for their respective peoples. High Commissioner Muhammad Farooq echoed these sentiments, noting that Mandela remains deeply revered in Pakistan, having been honored with the country’s highest civilian awards for his contributions to humanity.

Unlocking Bilateral Potential

Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan stressed the necessity of high-level political engagement to capitalize on untapped potential in trade, investment, tourism, and education. He underscored that South-South cooperation remains a cornerstone of the diplomatic framework between the two countries. In his concluding address, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood reaffirmed the strength of the Pakistan-South Africa partnership, expressing confidence that bilateral ties will continue to flourish for the mutual benefit of both populations.