ISLAMABAD: 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), organised an event to commemorate South Africa’s National Day and Nelson Mandela International Day.
The event opened with the national anthems of Pakistan and South Africa. The speakers included Ambassador Moin Ul Haque, Director General ISSI; Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, Board of Governors, ISSI; Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR; Muhammad Farooq, High Commissioner of Pakistan to South Africa; and Dr Amina Khan, Director CAMEA.
Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Pakistan, was the chief guest, while Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan, attended as the guest of honour.
In his remarks, Ambassador Moin ul Haque said the commemoration of South Africa’s National Day and Nelson Mandela International Day carried special significance. He said Pakistan and South Africa had warm and longstanding relations based on shared values of justice, freedom, equality and mutual respect.
He recalled Pakistan’s consistent support for South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and highlighted increasing 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 legacy continued to inspire humanity and strengthen Pakistan-South Africa friendship.
Acting High Commissioner R. Pierre Jordaan thanked ISSI for marking Nelson Mandela International Day along with South Africa’s National Day. He said 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 continued to inspire people across the world. Referring to Mandela’s message of forgiveness after 27 years of imprisonment, he said true leadership was rooted in reconciliation, compassion and service to humanity.
Speaking about contemporary global challenges, Jordaan called for greater respect for international law, multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He said Mandela’s vision remained a powerful reminder that lasting peace could only be achieved through dialogue, justice and shared responsibility. Concluding with Mandela’s words from Long Walk to Freedom, he urged efforts for a more just, peaceful and inclusive world, reminding the audience that “it is still in our hands to do good.”
Dr Amina Khan said South Africa’s National Day and Nelson Mandela International Day were important occasions to celebrate freedom, justice, equality and reconciliation. She paid tribute to Mandela’s lasting 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 Pakistan, while commemorating South Africa’s National Day and Nelson Mandela International Day, took pride in South Africa’s commitment to human rights and universal freedoms. He said Mandela admired Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and drew parallels between the two leaders’ firm commitment to securing freedom for their people.
He also recalled 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 Mandela’s legacy, saying the story of modern South Africa was inseparable from his struggle for justice, equality and human dignity. He said Mandela’s greatness lay not only in overcoming oppression but also in his wisdom, humility and commitment to reconciliation.
Recalling Pakistan’s steady support for the anti-apartheid movement, he underscored the strong ties between Pakistan and South Africa. He said Mandela held 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 Mandela’s enduring legacy and drew parallels with the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He recalled Pakistan’s steadfast support for the anti-apartheid struggle and highlighted the shared values of justice, freedom and South-South cooperation that formed the basis of Pakistan-South Africa relations.
He also stressed the need for greater high-level political engagement to realise the untapped potential in bilateral ties, particularly in trade, investment, tourism and education.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood highlighted Mandela’s enduring legacy of peace, justice and reconciliation. He reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and South Africa and expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to grow for the mutual benefit of both countries.
