Parliamentary diplomacy featured prominently when the Pakistan–South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Group held a briefing and meeting at Parliament House in Islamabad on June 17, 2026, aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation under Pakistan’s Look Africa policy and broader South-South cooperation.
Convened by Dr. Nafisa Shah, MNA, the session brought together lawmakers including Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar, Muhammad Riaz Fatyana, Mir Shabbir Ali Bijarani, Mir Amer Ali Khan Magsi, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Asad Alam Niazi, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Dr. Syeda Shahida Rehmani, Ms. Mussarat Rafique Mahesar and Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki, alongside diplomatic representatives and members of the Pakistani community in South Africa.
High Commissioner of Pakistan to South Africa H.E. Malik Muhammad Farooq provided a comprehensive briefing on South Africa’s political, economic and social landscape, highlighting areas for expanded trade, investment and educational exchange. Representatives of the Pakistani diaspora in South Africa raised community concerns including security and underscored the need for sustained institutional engagement between relevant authorities.
In her opening remarks Dr. Nafisa Shah underscored the centrality of parliamentary diplomacy in deepening ties, stressing that Friendship Groups play a key role in strengthening people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges and parliamentary cooperation that complement official bilateral channels.
Meeting with the Acting High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, participants discussed concrete steps to translate goodwill into outcomes through regular high-level exchanges, effective follow-up mechanisms and enhanced institutional linkages. Mr. Jordaan reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to stronger partnerships across the Global South and highlighted sport, particularly cricket, as a powerful bridge for people-to-people goodwill between the two countries.
Speakers recalled the historic visits of Nelson Mandela to Pakistan and paid tribute to his legacy of justice and reconciliation, noting its continued resonance in bilateral relations. Members emphasized the need for stronger economic engagement, tourism promotion, academic ties and the establishment of a counterpart Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Parliament of South Africa to sustain parliamentary cooperation.
Delegates concluded by reaffirming their commitment to regular parliamentary interactions and diplomatic coordination to convert dialogue into tangible cooperation, ensuring that parliamentary diplomacy remains a driving force behind stronger Pakistan South Africa ties.
