Islamabad: The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), hosted a significant event to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day.
The event began with the national anthems of Pakistan and South Africa and was moderated by Ms. Sarah Akram, Research Fellow at CAMEA. Distinguished speakers and diplomats gathered to pay tribute to Mandela’s enduring legacy of peace, justice, and reconciliation.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President of PAIDAR and Chief Guest on the occasion, drew thought-provoking parallels between Nelson Mandela and Pakistan’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Highlighting Mandela’s global commitment to justice, he emphasized his support for the rights of Palestinians and Kashmiris and called for renaming a Pakistani university in Mandela’s honour. “Mandela belongs to all of us,” he stated, proposing stronger educational and cultural linkages across the Global South.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised Mandela’s moral leadership and dedication to non-violence, anti-corruption, and youth empowerment. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s historical support for African liberation movements and lauded South Africa’s stand at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Palestine.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, described Mandela as a transformative global icon who “reshaped the moral compass of our times.” Reflecting on Mandela’s historic 1992 visit to ISSI, he stressed the relevance of Mandela’s principles in today’s world and called for enhanced Pakistan-Africa cooperation, inspired by Mandela’s values.
Ambassador Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Pakistan, highlighted Mandela’s unwavering commitment to unity and justice. Quoting Mandela’s reflection on forgiveness, he emphasized that Mandela led by action, not words, notably uniting South Africa during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Ambassador Malik Muhammad Farooq, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to South Africa, recalled Pakistan’s unwavering support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement and Mandela’s two historic visits to Pakistan, including his address to a Joint Session of Parliament and his receipt of the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the nation’s highest civilian honour.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors, ISSI, in his concluding remarks, reaffirmed Mandela’s place as a symbol of hope and inspiration for generations facing injustice and adversity.
The event also featured a special exhibition organized by the South African High Commission, showcasing photographs and memorabilia celebrating Mandela’s life and legacy.
