ISLAMABAD: Speakers at an event in Islamabad have paid rich tributes to anti-apartheid activist and former South African president Nelson Mandela.
The event was organised by 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), on Nelson Mandela International Day.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said he has often been struck by the similarities between Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Nelson Mandela, adding that the latter was a strong supporter of self-determination for the people of Palestine and Kashmir.
Speaking at the commemoration, Senator Sayed praised Mandela’s ability to connect with the grassroots, speak the language of the masses, and highlighted his generosity and deep commitment to friendships.
The proceedings, which began with the national anthems of Pakistan and South Africa, were moderated by Sarah Akram, Research Fellow at Camea. Speakers included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Pakistan; Malik Muhammad Farooq, High Commissioner of Pakistan to South Africa; and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI.
The keynote speaker was Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The chief guest on the occasion was Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed.
In his remarks, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood paid tribute to Mandela, describing him as one of the most iconic figures who reshaped the moral compass of our times and stood firmly for justice, equality, and human dignity.
He recalled Mandela’s 27 years of incarceration, during which his spirit remained unbroken and his commitment to non-violence unwavering. After his release, Mandela transformed personal suffering into national healing, promoting justice, tackling poverty, and empowering youth.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar paid tribute to Mandela as one of the most admired figures in recent history who stood for justice, equality, and against discrimination.
Ambassador Rudolph Pierre Jordaan highlighted that Mandela was more than a political leader; he was a symbol of moral courage, unity, and justice. He said Mandela once remarked, “If I did not leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I would still be in prison,” after spending 27 years incarcerated for opposing apartheid.
Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2025