**ISSI Hosts Event to Commemorate Egypt’s Revolution Day, Highlighting Deepening Ties with Pakistan**
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), through its Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA), held an event to commemorate Egypt’s Revolution Day in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR). The gathering underscored Egypt’s historic significance, its enduring relationship with Pakistan, and the growing strategic importance of Africa in Pakistan’s foreign policy.
The ceremony opened with the national anthems of both countries and was moderated by Ms. Amina Khan, Director of CAMEA. Key speakers included high-level diplomats and policymakers such as Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Dr. Ihab Abdelhamid Hassan, Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan; Mr. Aamir Shouket, Ambassador of Pakistan to Egypt; and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the ISSI Board of Governors. The event’s chief guest was Mr. Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR, while Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered the keynote address.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed highlighted that Africa, and particularly Egypt, now holds a special position in Pakistan’s diplomatic agenda. He lauded Egypt’s unparalleled civilizational legacy, strategic influence in the Arab world, and pivotal contributions after World War II—from the 1952 Revolution that marked a new era for the country, to the Suez Canal’s nationalization and Egypt’s role during the 1973 Ramadan War. He recalled Pakistan’s support for Egypt’s return to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 1984 and stressed the deep, historic links between the two nations.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized the transformative impact of Egypt’s July 1952 Revolution, calling it a beacon for sovereignty and social justice across the region. He praised Egypt’s role in fostering peace and development in the Middle East and North Africa, while highlighting the countries’ longstanding diplomatic and cultural ties. Mahmood noted Pakistan and Egypt’s close cooperation in multilateral forums and stressed the untapped potential for enhanced collaboration in trade, investment, energy, education, and tourism. He acknowledged Egypt’s central role in Pakistan’s ‘Engage Africa’ policy and reaffirmed ISSI’s commitment to expanding academic and policy partnerships with Egyptian institutions.
In his keynote, Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan celebrated Egypt’s rich heritage and its status as a leader in Islamic scholarship, particularly through Al-Azhar University. He also pointed out shared challenges such as water security, commended Egypt’s success in the tourism sector, and highlighted the Pakistani football factory operating in Egypt as a symbol of growing economic linkages. He called for Pakistan to emulate Egypt’s Vision 2030 through youth engagement and innovation.
Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, described Egypt’s Revolution Day as a pivotal moment marking Egypt’s emergence as a regional leader. She highlighted Egypt’s relevance to Pakistan’s ‘Engage Africa’ policy and outlined opportunities for partnership in higher education, agriculture, climate adaptation, and digital connectivity.
Ambassador Dr. Ihab Abdelhamid Hassan noted that the July 1952 Revolution represents a cornerstone of Egypt’s national identity. He reflected on the strong bilateral relationship with Pakistan, founded on shared visions of peace and cooperation in diplomacy and defense. Dr. Hassan also mentioned Egypt’s ongoing commitment to supporting Pakistani students, especially through annual scholarships at Al-Azhar University. To mark the occasion, he presented a collection of Egyptian publications to ISSI’s library.
Ambassador Aamir Shouket echoed the theme of enduring friendship, underscoring the July Revolution as a watershed in Egypt’s history and emphasizing the longstanding partnership between the two countries across various domains. He highlighted the steady progress and potential for greater collaboration in the future.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, in his closing remarks, reiterated the historic and strategic bonds between Pakistan and Egypt, aligned with Pakistan’s broader engagement with Africa. He commended the role of ISSI and PAIDAR in advancing bilateral relations.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the deep respect and shared interests binding Pakistan and Egypt, with participants expressing optimism for further strengthening of ties in the years ahead.
