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), organized an event to commemorate Rwanda Liberation Day. The ceremony began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Rwanda.
Speakers at the event included Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, BoG, ISSI; High Commissioner Harerimana Fatou, High Commissioner of Rwanda to Pakistan; High Commissioner Naeem Khan, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Rwanda; and Dr. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR, was the chief guest.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood said Rwanda’s Liberation Day reflects the country’s journey from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to peace, reconciliation, and development. He noted Pakistan’s growing partnership with Rwanda, rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations, and recalled Pakistan’s contribution to UN peacekeeping and post genocide recovery efforts. He also paid tribute to former Foreign Secretary Shaharyar M. Khan, who served as the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Rwanda during a critical period in the country’s recovery.
Dr. Amina Khan said the day symbolizes Rwanda’s transformation into a country of peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development. She said CAMEA is committed to strengthening Pakistan’s engagement with Africa through institutional linkages and dialogue, and welcomed the renewed momentum in Pakistan Rwanda relations after the opening of diplomatic missions in Kigali and Islamabad.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed praised Rwanda’s resilience, reconciliation, and socio economic progress, describing it as a model of stability, modernization, and digital advancement. He also underlined Pakistan’s support for African liberation movements and highlighted the growing pace of Pakistan Rwanda relations.
High Commissioner Harerimana Fatou paid tribute to the soldiers of the Rwanda Patriotic Army and said their sacrifices laid the foundation for Rwanda’s transformation into one of Africa’s cleanest, greenest, and most innovative countries. She pointed to Rwanda’s progress in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, healthcare, and peaceful nuclear energy, while also emphasizing stronger cooperation in climate change and green energy.
High Commissioner Muhammad Naeem Khan said Rwanda’s Liberation Day marks a historic milestone and reflects the country’s achievements in peace, development, and nation building. He noted Rwanda’s progress in digitalization, governance, public service delivery, and transparent development, and encouraged Pakistani businesses and tourists to explore opportunities in Rwanda.
