ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – 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), hosted a commemorative event to mark South Africa’s National Day and Nelson Mandela International Day on July 21, 2026.

Commemorating Shared Values and Global Icons

The proceedings commenced with the national anthems of both Pakistan and South Africa. Distinguished speakers included Ambassador Moin Ul Haque, Director General of ISSI; Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the BoG at ISSI; Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President of PAIDAR; Muhammad Farooq, High Commissioner of Pakistan to South Africa; and Dr. Amina Khan, Director of CAMEA. The event featured Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Pakistan, as the Chief Guest, with Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving as the Guest of Honor.

Diplomatic Ties and Historical Solidarity

Ambassador Moin ul Haque emphasized the importance of the dual celebration, noting the warm, longstanding relations between Pakistan and South Africa. These ties are deeply rooted in shared values of justice, freedom, and mutual respect. Reflecting on Pakistan’s historical support for the anti-apartheid movement, he underscored the necessity of continued cooperation across bilateral and multilateral forums. In a broader context of international diplomacy, Pakistan and Canada strengthen bilateral trade and strategic cooperation, reflecting a similar spirit of global engagement.

Mandela’s Vision for a Just World

Acting High Commissioner R. Pierre Jordaan expressed his gratitude to ISSI for the tribute. He highlighted Mandela’s lifelong commitment to human dignity and reconciliation, noting that true leadership is defined by the capacity for compassion. Recalling Mandela’s message of forgiveness, the Acting High Commissioner urged the international community to prioritize dialogue and international law in the face of modern global challenges. He concluded by invoking Mandela’s famous words from ‘Long Walk to Freedom’, reminding the audience that “it is still in our hands to do good.”

Strengthening Pakistan-Africa Relations

Dr. Amina Khan reaffirmed CAMEA’s commitment to the ‘Engage Africa’ policy, noting that events like these are vital to fostering deeper ties. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed observed that South Africa’s commitment to human rights continues to resonate with Pakistan, drawing parallels between the leadership of Nelson Mandela and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. High Commissioner Muhammad Farooq echoed these sentiments, noting that Mandela remains a revered figure in Pakistan, having been honored with the nation’s highest civilian awards for his contributions to global justice. Furthermore, as Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik discusses expanding energy cooperation, Pakistan continues to seek robust partnerships across various sectors globally.

Future Potential in Bilateral Engagement

Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan reflected on the shared values of South-South cooperation, calling for enhanced high-level political engagement to unlock potential in trade, investment, and education. In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood reiterated the importance of Mandela’s legacy in promoting lasting peace. As regional dynamics evolve, such as when Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrives in Pakistan, the diplomatic focus on shared history and future cooperation remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy agenda.