“Pakistan-South Africa friendship group meeting”

DNA

ISLAMABAD, 16 JAN (DNA):A meeting of the Pakistan-South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Group, organized by Ms. Misbah Khar, Secretary of the Group, and chaired by Senator Syed Ali Zafar, was held at Parliament House. The meeting was attended by H.E. Mr. Mxolisi Phila Radebe, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa, H.E. Mr. Brian Witbooi, Political Counsellor of South Africa, and Senators Husna Bano, Khalida Ateeb, Jan Muhammad, and Rubina Qaim Khani. The discussion reflected mutual respect, shared values, and a collective vision to strengthen cooperation.

Senator Syed Ali Zafar in his opening remarks, warmly welcomed the South African representatives and highlighted the importance of fostering bilateral relations. Ms. Misbah Khar emphasized the need to form a strong friendship group between the two countries and announced Pakistan’s 5th Pak Trade Development event scheduled for May 2025, where South African representatives would be invited to participate.

During the discussion, Senator Khalida Ateeb highlighted the strong cultural connection between the two countries, particularly through cricket, which serves as a unifying interest. She suggested that reconsideration of trade restrictions could lead to better outcomes for both nations and appreciated South Africa’s stance on Gaza and their commitment to global human rights issues. Senator Husna Bano commended South Africa’s collaboration with Pakistan in agriculture and stressed the potential for further partnership in high-quality textiles, surgical items, and technology. She also urged South Africa to support the 200,000 Pakistani expatriates in the country who face challenges such as kidnapping for ransom and incidents of xenophobia. Senator Jan Muhammad emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and focusing on platforms such as BRICS and the G20 for mutual growth and inspiration. Senator Rubina Qaim Khani reiterated Pakistan’s request for South Africa’s support in its BRICS membership and stressed the importance of the women parliamentarian ratio within South Africa.

H.E. Mr. Mxolisi Phila Radebe shared South Africa’s commitment to diplomatic respect, strengthening bilateral relations, and fostering collaboration. He emphasized South Africa’s growing global influence through BRICS and its recognition in trade and entrepreneurship. Addressing challenges like xenophobia and resource-based tensions, he underscored the need for grassroots-level solutions and deeper engagement to address such issues effectively.

H.E. Mr. Brian Witbooi clarified that addressing illegal immigration does not constitute xenophobia, noting that the matter had already been raised by Pakistan’s Ambassador. He highlighted the strain on resources caused by social services provided to undocumented individuals, incidents involving unsafe foreign products, and the contributions of foreign professionals, such as doctors, who constitute 10% of South Africa’s medical workforce. He also discussed challenges such as kidnapping for ransom, organized crime, and fake visas at South African embassies, emphasizing the importance of adhering to proper procedures and the ongoing efforts to address these issues.