Naveed Ahmad Khan
ISLAMABAD: African Day was celebrated in Islamabad with full fervour to commemorate the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union. The African Group of Ambassadors hosted a reception attended by government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and members of civil society.
The event showcased traditional music, dance, and cuisine from various African countries. The Tunisian stall emerged as a special hub, where guests enjoyed authentic dishes and cultural displays. People kept returning to savour the rich flavours, aromas, and hospitality, making it one of the most memorable attractions of the evening.
The success of the Tunisian segment was largely credited to H.E. Dorsaf Maaroufi, Chargé d’Affaires of Tunisia, for her efforts in promoting cultural exchange in Pakistan.
H.E Ammad Rasheed – The Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Tunisia Peshawar for KP Chapter also participated along with his family promoting & greetings guests at the Tunisian stall during the event.
8Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, attended as chief guest. The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, Mr. Atadjan Movlamov, was also present. Ambassadors and High Commissioners from Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe participated, along with representatives of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Attaullah Tarar underscored Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with African nations. He said Pakistan greatly values its relations with Africa, describing the continent as an emerging economic powerhouse with immense potential for growth and collaboration. Tarar noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had issued special instructions to intensify focus on Africa, a directive that led to the launch of Pakistan’s “Look Africa Policy,” which is progressing successfully.
Other speakers highlighted Africa’s achievements over six decades in political independence, regional integration, and economic development. They called for deeper Pakistan-Africa linkages, particularly in agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and information technology—sectors with significant untapped potential.
“Pakistan and Africa share historical bonds of solidarity. Today we celebrate not just Africa’s past, but its dynamic future,” said the Dean of African Ambassadors. He urged Pakistani businesses to explore opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which covers a market of 1.4 billion people.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to South-South cooperation. Officials noted that Pakistan’s technical assistance programmes and scholarships for African students continue to expand. Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Africa reached $4.2 billion last year, but both sides agreed the volume can grow manifold with stronger connectivity.
Analysts observed that African Day offers Pakistan a chance to diversify exports and investment. With Africa’s population projected to double by 2050, stronger linkages in energy, infrastructure, and human resource development are seen as key to mutual prosperity.
The celebrations concluded with a renewed message of solidarity and shared aspirations for peace, stability, and sustainable development across the Global South.
