Islamabad, July 21, 2026(Nosheen): 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 a commemorative event to mark South Africa’s National Day and Nelson Mandela International Day, highlighting the enduring friendship between Pakistan and South Africa and celebrating the universal values of freedom, justice, equality, and reconciliation.
The ceremony commenced with the national anthems of Pakistan and South Africa. The event brought together distinguished diplomats, policymakers, and scholars, including Director General ISSI Ambassador Moin ul Haque, Chairman Board of Governors ISSI Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, PAIDAR President Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to South Africa Muhammad Farooq, and Director CAMEA Dr. Amina Khan. The Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Pakistan, Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, attended as the Chief Guest, while Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa) Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan participated as the Guest of Honor.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Moin ul Haque underscored the significance of commemorating South Africa’s National Day alongside Nelson Mandela International Day, describing Pakistan and South Africa as longstanding partners united by shared values of justice, freedom, equality, and mutual respect. He recalled Pakistan’s unwavering support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and highlighted expanding cooperation between the two countries in bilateral and multilateral forums. Paying tribute to Nelson Mandela, he described him as a global icon of reconciliation, resilience, and moral courage.
Acting High Commissioner Rudolph Pierre Jordaan thanked ISSI for organizing the event and reflected on South Africa’s democratic journey and Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy. He emphasized Mandela’s lifelong commitment to justice, equality, reconciliation, and human dignity, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, respect for international law, multilateralism, and shared responsibility. Quoting Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom, he urged everyone to work collectively for a more just, peaceful, and inclusive world.
Dr. Amina Khan highlighted the significance of the occasion in promoting the values of freedom, justice, equality, and reconciliation. She recalled Pakistan’s historic support for the anti-apartheid movement and Nelson Mandela’s landmark visit to Pakistan and ISSI in 1992. She reaffirmed CAMEA’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Africa relations under Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” policy.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed observed that Nelson Mandela admired Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and drew parallels between the visionary leadership of both leaders in securing freedom for their respective peoples. He recalled Pakistan’s diplomatic and financial support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and described Mandela as a timeless symbol of human freedom.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Muhammad Farooq, paid tribute to Mandela’s extraordinary contributions to justice, equality, and human dignity. He emphasized that Pakistan and South Africa share deep historical ties rooted in the struggle against apartheid and noted that Mandela occupies a special place in the hearts of the Pakistani people, having been honored with Pakistan’s highest civilian awards.
Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa) Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan highlighted the shared values that continue to underpin Pakistan-South Africa relations and stressed the importance of enhanced high-level political engagement to unlock the vast potential for cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, and other sectors.
Concluding the event, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood reaffirmed Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy of peace, justice, and reconciliation and expressed confidence that the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and South Africa would continue to deepen, fostering stronger bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.