The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), through its Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA), held an event to honor Nelson Mandela International Day, highlighting the enduring legacy of the late South African leader as a global icon of justice, peace, and reconciliation. Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), the gathering brought together diplomats, scholars, and officials to reflect on Mandela’s contributions and to strengthen Pakistan-Africa relations.
The commemoration opened with the national anthems of Pakistan and South Africa and was moderated by Ms. Sarah Akram, Research Fellow at CAMEA. Distinguished speakers included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Mr. Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Pakistan; Mr. Malik Muhammad Farooq, High Commissioner of Pakistan to South Africa; and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman ISSI Board of Governors. The keynote address was delivered by Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary for Africa in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President of PAIDAR, was the chief guest.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed drew parallels between Nelson Mandela and Pakistan’s founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, noting Mandela’s unwavering support for self-determination in Palestine and Kashmir. He emphasized Mandela’s grassroots connection, commitment to friendships, and role as a global model for peace and reconciliation. Senator Sayed proposed renaming a Pakistani university in Mandela’s honor and encouraging educational exchanges with the Global South to further Mandela’s legacy of unity and mutual understanding.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood characterized Mandela as a transformative leader who redefined moral leadership through his steadfast commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity despite 27 years of imprisonment. He highlighted Mandela’s approach to non-violent resistance, nation-building, and youth empowerment, and referenced Mandela’s historic visits to Pakistan, including his address at ISSI in 1992. Ambassador Mahmood commended South Africa’s recent efforts at the International Court of Justice in support of Palestine, seeing this as an extension of Mandela’s values, and called for continued moral courage in international affairs.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan lauded Mandela’s life, describing him as one of the most admired leaders who resisted discrimination and oppression, advocated for freedom and rule of law, and prioritized economic and social uplift during his presidency. He noted Pakistan’s history of supporting African liberation movements and applauded South Africa’s defense of justice on global platforms, linking these actions to Mandela’s enduring vision.
Mr. Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, underscored Mandela’s role not only as a political leader but also as a symbol of forgiveness, unity, and moral fortitude. He recalled Mandela’s commitment to reconciliation and his pivotal role in uniting South Africa during crucial moments, such as the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Ambassador Malik Muhammad Farooq of Pakistan to South Africa celebrated Mandela as a global symbol whose principles offer guidance for societies striving toward justice and inclusion. He highlighted Pakistan’s unwavering support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid efforts and remembered Mandela’s two visits to Pakistan, including his historic address to the Joint Parliamentary Session and receipt of Pakistan’s highest civil award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan.
In closing remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood reiterated Mandela’s status as a beacon of hope and resilience, emphasizing his lasting influence in inspiring movements for peace, equality, and reconciliation worldwide. The event also featured an exhibition organized by the South African High Commission in Pakistan to showcase Mandela’s life and legacy.
The gathering served to reaffirm Nelson Mandela’s role as a universal role model and to highlight the importance of fostering ties between Pakistan and Africa in pursuit of justice and shared progress.
