Asia–Africa Gathering Hosted by Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed in Islamabad
A memorable event fostering multilateral and bilateral cooperation between two continents — Pakistan–Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR) introduced; Ethiopian Ambassador bid farewell
By Tazeen Akhtar
Photos by Raja Ghulam Fareed
Islamabad: Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, President of the Pakistan–Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), hosted an Asia–Africa Luncheon Gathering at his Islamabad residence last week, bringing together diplomats, policymakers, scholars, and business leaders to promote deeper cooperation between the two continents.
The event had three key objectives: to highlight Pakistan–Africa cooperation and its potential, to bid farewell to the Ethiopian Ambassador, and to formally introduce PAIDAR, a newly established think tank dedicated to advancing policy research, data sharing, and partnership development between Pakistan and African nations.
The luncheon, hosted in a pleasant garden setting by Senator Mushahid and his wife, eminent educationist Ms. Dashka Syed, was attended by ambassadors and representatives from various Asian and African countries, evoking memories of the historic Bandung Conference of 1955, where newly independent nations of Asia and Africa united to advocate for decolonization and global peace.
Senator Mushahid Hussain recalled his personal connection with Indonesia, noting that his late father, Colonel Amjad Hussain Syed, was Pakistan’s first Defence Attaché to Indonesia. Mushahid himself completed his schooling there, and later, as a parliamentarian and minister, made multiple official visits to Jakarta. “My early years in Indonesia taught me the value of cross-continental friendship,” he said, adding that he now seeks to use his personal experiences and diplomatic relationships to strengthen Pakistan’s ties with Africa and Asia.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who heads the Africa Desk. He appreciated Senator Mushahid’s initiative, describing Africa as “Pakistan’s most promising new partner” and emphasizing the Ministry’s upcoming mega events across African capitals to boost engagement.
He highlighted the Pakistan Engage Africa Conference and upcoming exhibitions in Addis Ababa, where over 100 Pakistani companies are expected to participate in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the Embassy of Pakistan in Ethiopia. “The Prime Minister has directed a renewed focus on Africa, particularly in trade, investment, and joint ventures,” he added.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan further underlined the immense potential in agriculture and healthcare, calling them key sectors for Pakistan–Africa cooperation.
Farewell to Ethiopian Ambassador
The event also marked the farewell of Ethiopian Ambassador Jamal Baker Abdullah, who has been posted to the United Arab Emirates. Ambassador Jamal expressed his gratitude to Pakistan and shared that his tenure in Islamabad had been marked by “historic progress in bilateral relations.” He noted the launch of direct Ethiopian Airlines flights to Pakistan as a major step toward deeper partnership.
He also recalled Ethiopia’s collaboration with Pakistan’s “Green Initiative,” joint environmental efforts, and humanitarian outreach, particularly his visits to flood-affected areas in Sindh where he witnessed the affection and hospitality of local communities.
A Distinguished Gathering Reflecting Asia–Africa Friendship
Notable attendees included Senator Wasim Sajjad (former President of Pakistan), Raja Zafar-ul-Haq (Secretary-General, Muslim World League), Afrasiab Khattak, Senator Javed Abbasi, Sitara Ayaz, Ambassadors Khazar Farhadov (Azerbaijan), Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam (Iran), Dr. Rizwan Naziroglu (Türkiye), Yerzan Kistafin (Kazakhstan), Rahmat Hendyarta (Indonesia), Jannat al-Firdous (Malaysia), Ms. Buket Kap (TRNC), Ms. Haririmana Fatou Fatma (Rwanda), Saleh Ahmed (Sudan), Mr. & Mrs. Titus Mhliwa Jonathan (Zimbabwe), and Rudolf Pierre Jordan (South Africa).
Other prominent personalities included Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Institute of Strategic Studies, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, DG of the Institute, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, Chairman of the Institute of Regional Studies, Vice Admiral (R) Ahmed Saeed of the National Institute of Maritime Affairs, Maj. Gen. (R) Tayyab Azam, Maj. (R) Amir, Brig. (R) Sajjad, and young journalist Aliya Agha.
Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce Joins Hands
President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Usman Shaukat, and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Zahid Latif, also attended the event, announcing RCCI’s partnership with PAIDAR to enhance business cooperation with African markets.
A Memorable Moment: The Birthday Surprise
A lighthearted highlight of the day was the birthday celebration of Jordan’s Ambassador Mr. Main Khreisat. Senator Mushahid Hussain cut the cake with the “birthday boy” and guests — a surprise even for the ambassador himself, who had not mentioned the occasion. The gesture delighted the guests, including Senator Mushahid’s two young grandsons, who were especially happy to see a “birthday party in grand style.”
Symbol of Renewed Asian–African Solidarity
The luncheon was widely described as a symbol of renewed Asia–Africa solidarity, bringing together voices from diplomacy, politics, academia, and business to advance shared goals of peace, development, and mutual respect.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan lauded the event as “a remarkable step toward institutionalizing Pakistan’s outreach to Africa,” while diplomats affectionately dubbed Senator Mushahid “the encyclopedia of Asia and Africa” for his encyclopedic knowledge and lifelong commitment to strengthening intercontinental ties.
