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 an event to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day. The gathering celebrated the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela, highlighting his contributions to peace, justice, and reconciliation on a global scale, while also reflecting on the strong ties between Pakistan and South Africa.
The event began with the national anthems of Pakistan and South Africa, and was moderated by Ms. Sarah Akram, Research Fellow at ISSI’s Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA). Key speakers included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of 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 of the ISSI Board of Governors. The keynote address was delivered by Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the chief guest was Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President of PAIDAR.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed drew comparisons between Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Nelson Mandela, noting their shared advocacy for self-determination, particularly for the people of Palestine and Kashmir. He praised Mandela’s deep connection with ordinary people, his advocacy for education as a bridge between cultures, and his unwavering commitment to friendship and justice. Sayed proposed renaming a Pakistani university after Mandela and extending invitations to students from the Global South, emphasizing Mandela’s significance as a global model for peace and reconciliation.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood described Mandela as a transformative leader whose integrity and sense of justice reshaped the moral direction of the world. Despite enduring 27 years of imprisonment, Mandela’s resolve never faltered, and his commitment to non-violence remained steadfast. After regaining his freedom, he prioritized national healing and empowered youth, combating poverty and injustice. Mahmood also recalled Mandela’s visits to Pakistan, including a significant stop at ISSI in 1992, and pointed to South Africa’s recent initiative at the International Court of Justice defending the Palestinian cause as evidence of Mandela’s lasting principles. He called for ongoing moral courage in the face of injustice and encouraged stronger ties between Pakistan and Africa.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar echoed these sentiments, recognizing Mandela as one of history’s most admired figures, celebrated for his fight against discrimination and commitment to freedom, anti-corruption, and land reforms. He highlighted Africa’s promising future and stressed Pakistan’s longstanding support for liberation struggles, while commending South Africa’s leadership at the ICJ as a continuation of Mandela’s vision.
Mr. Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa, reflected on Mandela not just as a political icon but as a symbol of unity, moral courage, and justice. He shared Mandela’s belief in forgiveness over bitterness, referencing his decision to unite South Africa during the Rugby World Cup despite facing internal resistance within his own party.
Ambassador Malik Muhammad Farooq saluted Mandela as a guiding force for justice and reconciliation and recalled Pakistan’s unwavering support for South Africa’s independence. He noted Mandela’s historic visits to Pakistan, including an address to a Joint Session of Parliament and the awarding of the nation’s highest civil honor, the Nishan-e-Pakistan. Farooq called for communities to come together in the spirit of Mandela’s enduring fight for a just and inclusive society.
Concluding the proceedings, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood emphasized Mandela’s legacy as a beacon of hope, equality, and reconciliation, inspiring not only South Africa but the wider world. He highlighted Mandela’s visits to Pakistan and specifically to ISSI, underscoring his lasting influence for those confronting adversity.
The event also featured an exhibition organized by the South African High Commission in Pakistan, dedicated to honoring Nelson Mandela’s legacy and impact around the world.
