ISLAMABAD, JUL 21 /DNA/ – The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), organized an event to commemorate South Africa’s National Day and Nelson Mandela International Day.
The proceedings began with the national anthems of Pakistan and South Africa. Speakers included Ambassador Moin Ul Haque, Director General ISSI; Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, BoG, ISSI; Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR; Muhammad Farooq, High Commissioner of Pakistan to South Africa; and Dr. Amina Khan; Director, CAMEA. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Pakistan, and the Guest of Honor was Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan.
Ambassador Moin ul Haque underscored the significance of commemorating South Africa’s National Day and celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day. He noted that Pakistan and South Africa enjoy warm and longstanding relations, rooted in shared values of justice, freedom, equality, and mutual respect. Recalling Pakistan’s steadfast support for South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, he highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries in bilateral and multilateral forums. Paying tribute to Nelson Mandela, he described him as a global symbol of reconciliation, resilience, and moral courage whose enduring legacy continues to inspire humanity and strengthen the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and South Africa.
Acting High Commissioner R. Pierre Jordaan thanked ISSI for commemorating Nelson Mandela International Day alongside South Africa’s National Day. He noted that the occasion celebrated South Africa’s democratic journey and Mandela’s enduring legacy. He highlighted Mandela’s lifelong struggle for justice, equality, reconciliation, and human dignity, describing him as a global symbol of peace whose leadership continues to inspire people around the world. Recalling Mandela’s message of forgiveness over bitterness after 27 years of imprisonment, he emphasized that true leadership lies in reconciliation, compassion, and service to humanity. Reflecting on today’s global challenges, he called for greater respect for international law, multilateralism, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. He stressed that Mandela’s vision remains a powerful reminder that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, justice, and shared responsibility. Concluding with Mandela’s words from Long Walk to Freedom, he encouraged everyone to work towards a more just, peaceful, and inclusive world, reminding the audience that “it is still in our hands to do good.”
Dr. Amina Khan in her remarks highlighted the significance of South Africa’s National Day and Nelson Mandela International Day as occasions to celebrate the values of freedom, justice, equality and reconciliation. She paid tribute to Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy and recalled Pakistan’s longstanding support for the anti-apartheid struggle, including Mandela’s historic visit to Pakistan and ISSI in 1992. She also reaffirmed CAMEA’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Africa relations under the ‘Engage Africa’ policy.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said that as Pakistan commemorates South Africa’s National Day and celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day, it takes pride in South Africa’s commitment to human rights and universal freedoms. He noted that Nelson Mandela admired Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and drew parallels between the two leaders’ unwavering commitment to securing freedom for their people. He concluded by recalling Pakistan’s financial and diplomatic support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and described Mandela as a timeless symbol of freedom.
High Commissioner Muhammad Farooq paid tribute to Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy, noting that the story of modern South Africa is inseparable from his struggle for justice, equality, and human dignity. He observed that Mandela’s true greatness lay not only in overcoming oppression but also in his wisdom, humility, and commitment to reconciliation. Recalling Pakistan’s steadfast support for the anti-apartheid struggle, he underscored the strong ties between Pakistan and South Africa and noted that Mandela holds a special place in the hearts of the Pakistani people, having been honoured with Pakistan’s highest civilian awards for his extraordinary contributions to humanity, freedom, and justice.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan reflected on Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy, drawing parallels with the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Recalling Pakistan’s steadfast support for the anti-apartheid struggle, he highlighted the shared values of justice, freedom, and South-South cooperation that underpin Pakistan-South Africa relations. He also emphasized the need for greater high-level political engagement to unlock the untapped potential in bilateral ties, particularly in trade, investment, tourism, and education.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, highlighted Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy of peace, justice and reconciliation. He reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and South Africa, expressing confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to grow for the mutual benefit of both countries.=DNA
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