Tazeen Akhtar
ISLAMABAD : 22 May 2025 – The Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution declaring 25th May as Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day. The resolution was moved by Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on the occasion of Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day marked in the Senate on Thursday.
The resolution expressed the resolve that the government of Pakistan shall continue to enhance and expand its relations with African countries across all spheres including political, economic, technological, cultural and educational domains for mutual benefit.
It said that Pakistan shall further enhance its contributions towards peace and stability of the African continent including by enhancing its role and cooperation with African Union in area of UN peacekeeping as well as supporting African solutions to African challenges.
The House acknowledged that Africa is continent of emerging opportunities and a vital partner in global peace, prosperity and progress.
Earlier taking the floor, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s strong desire to enhance relations with African countries in different fields including trade and investment.
He said Pakistan offers to export high quality textiles and garments, pharmaceutical and surgical instruments as well as sports goods to the African countries. Pakistan’s growing expertise in IT services and digital training programs also align well with African digital transformation agenda. Under Engage Africa policy, Pakistan has enhanced its diplomatic presence in African nations.
In his remarks, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani said today’s sitting of the upper house is indeed a historic moment as it brings together the elected representatives of Pakistan and the African friends under one roof. He said this symbolizes our collective resolve to shape a future rooted in solidarity, people to people connectivity and robust parliamentary engagements.
“Pak-Africa Friendship Day” @ Senate of Pakistan with African Envoys
Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani hosted the ambassadors of African countries, representatives of the United Nations, and conveners of Parliamentary Friendship Groups established in Pakistan, on the occasion of “Pak-Africa Friendship Day” at a luncheon. Secretary MOFA, Ms Amna Baloch and Additional Secretary Hamid Asghar Khan were also present at the
Dean of African countries , Ambassador Morocco, Mohamed Karmoune led the fellow ambassadors to the event. Ambassadors and Envoys of the African countries present during the call on were Abdullah A Fadi Head of UNICEF Representative, H. E Brahim Romani, Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Mr. Salih Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Siddig, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan; H.E. Moamer Z.O. Abdalmotlab, Ambassador of the State of Libya; H.E. Mr. Titus Mehliswa Johnathan Abu-Basutu, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe; H.E. Ms. Harerimana Fatou, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda; H.E. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru, High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya; H.E. Shiekh Nor Mohamed Hassan, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia; Mr. Yushwa Mohamed, Charge d’Affaires of the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Mr. Adam Koodoruth, Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius; Ms. Dorsaf Maaroufi, Charge d’Affaires of the Republic of Tunisia; and H.E. Mr. Mxolisi Phila Radebe, Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa. Representatives of Ethiopia and Algeria were also present.
Special appearance was Ambassador of Palestine to whom the participants expressed their solidarity against Israeli Genocide in Gaza.
Chairman Gilani appreciated the efforts of African ambassadors and high commissioners posted in Islamabad for their vital role in reinforcing bilateral relations. “As we celebrate Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day,” he said, “let us renew our joint commitment to this strategic and enduring partnership.”
He said that Pakistan is keen to further strengthen its brotherly, long-standing, deep-rooted, and multifaceted relations with African countries, as well as to enhance trade and investment ties with them.
Chairman Gilani emphasized that Pakistan’s “Engage Africa Policy” marks a strategic shift, positioning Africa not only as a partner of the past but also as a vital player in future collaborations. He shared that under this policy, Pakistan expanded its diplomatic missions, signed new bilateral agreements, and significantly enhanced trade—surpassing USD 5.45 billion in 2023–2024. Key exports included rice, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, with valuable imports from African partners. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to economic diplomacy.
He further highlighted his strong belief in South-South Cooperation as a cornerstone for sustainable and inclusive development among developing nations. Referring to his participation in the Third South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum in Morocco, he described this cooperation not as an ideological vision but a practical approach to regional collaboration, reducing trade barriers, and exchanging successful development models.
He also mentioned his recent unanimous election as the founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), a platform dedicated to fostering dialogue, mutual development, and equitable partnerships within the Global South. He invited African parliamentary leaders to actively participate in the ISC and other such initiatives for the collective promotion of peace and sustainable development.
Chairman Gilani acknowledged the common challenges shared by Pakistan and African countries—including poverty, food insecurity, health crises, education gaps, and climate change—but underscored that these challenges also offer immense opportunities. Africa’s youthful population, abundant natural resources, and growing markets align well with Pakistan’s strengths in agriculture, textiles, IT services, and pharmaceuticals.
He expressed Pakistan’s desire to expand cooperation in sectors such as defense, renewable energy, education, infrastructure, and agriculture. Notable examples of growing collaboration include Nigeria’s procurement of JF-17 fighter jets, Zimbabwe’s order of Super Mushshak aircraft, and the resumption of Ethiopian Airlines flights to Karachi.
The participants from African countries agreed with the views of Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral diplomatic and economic relations with Pakistan. Chairman Senate also briefed the delegation about Pakistan’s parliamentary history, democratic process, and the constitutional role and significance of the Upper House.
The luncheon was attended by Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan, Parliamentary Leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N Senator Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui, Parliamentary Leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Syed Ali Zafar, Parliamentary Leader of Pakistan People’s Party Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, other members of the Senate and National Assembly, and ambassadors, high commissioners, and representatives from African countries.
Also present on the occasion were the conveners of various friendship groups formed in the Senate of Pakistan related to African countries, including Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman, Senator Ali Zafar, Senator Asad Qasim, Senator Jan Buleidi, Senator Abdul Qadir, Senator Bilal Ahmed, and Senator Sardar Gurdeep Singh. Special Secretary Senate Hafeezullah Sheikh, Advisor to Chairman Senate Ms. Misbah Khar were also present.
