The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East, and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Seminar to launch the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR). The seminar’s theme focused on ‘Reviving the Bandung Spirit of Afro-Asian Solidarity: Pakistan-Africa Relations,’ with Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President of PAIDAR, delivering the keynote address.
Moderated byAmina Khan, Director of CAMEA, the seminar featured esteemed speakers including Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director-General of ISSI; Mohammed Karmoune, Dean of the African Envoys Corps and Ambassador of Morocco; Mary Nyambura Kamau, High Commissioner of Kenya to Pakistan; Jemal Beker Abdulla, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan; Ambassador Aftab Hassan, High Commissioner of Pakistan to South Africa; Ambassador Atif Sharif Mian, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the African Union; Ambassador Arshad Jan Pathan, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Mauritius; Mr. Zafar Bakhtawri, Secretary-General of the United Business Group (UBG); Dr. Bashir Bahar, Assistant Professor at the Department of Translation and Interpretation, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI); Dr. Ismail Adaramola, Assistant Professor at the Department of Politics & International Relations, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI); Mr. Shehryar Akbar Khan, Additional Secretary for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA); and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI.
Ms. Amina Khan highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to engaging with Africa through its comprehensive “Engage Africa” policy. She underscored CAMEA’s role in fortifying relations with Africa and expressed anticipation for collaboration with PAIDAR to further strengthen Pakistan’s ties with the continent.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood commended Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed’s efforts in establishing PAIDAR to enhance Pakistan’s focus on Africa through academic research and development partnerships. He emphasized the historical significance of the “Bandung Spirit” and Pakistan’s enduring support for African nations, particularly through UN Peacekeeping operations.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed emphasized Africa’s pivotal role in global affairs and outlined PAIDAR’s objectives to rejuvenate Pakistan-Africa relations. He highlighted the institute’s focus on promoting mutual interests in various sectors such as education, environment, trade, energy, and sustainable development.
H.E. Mohammed Karmoune and other dignitaries emphasized the principles of mutual respect, cooperation, and solidarity underpinning Pakistan-Africa relations. They highlighted opportunities for joint ventures and cooperation in diverse economic sectors to achieve mutual development.
The event concluded with the unveiling of PAIDAR’s official logo and a group photo, attended by academics, area studies specialists, policymakers, students, civil society representatives, and the media.
