ISLAMABAD : Tazeen Akhtar + Camera Raja Ghulam Fareed – The speakers at the event to mark Liberation Day of Rwanda here at Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad , on 27 June 2025, in collaboration with PAIDAR another think tank working on Pakistan Africa relations, spoke highly on the potential of bilateral meaningful cooperation for which direct travel connectivity is a prerequisite and that is not existing for any African country from Pakistan.
The only direct connection has been established by Ethiopian airline last year when the carrier started direct flight between Kigali and Karachi.
The event marked KWIBOHORA 31, hosted in collaboration with the Rwanda High Commission in Pakistan.Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed was the Chief Guest. Additional Foreign Secretary Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan delivered keynote address. Director General ISSI Amb Sohail Mehmood and Chairman Amb Khalid Mehmood shared their experiences on how to increase the bilateral cooperation and build a strong partnership. Ambassadors of Morocco and Yemen also participated in the celebration.
Other eminent speakers included the two High Commissioners in Pakistan and Rwanda, Rwandan Defence Attache in Islamabad, the Chairman & Director General of ISSI, and Director CAMEA. They highlighted Rwanda’s remarkable resilience and post-genocide rebuilding as well as repositioning at the regional and global level. Speakers also reaffirmed strong resolve to take Pakistan-Rwanda ties to new heights.
H.E. Harerimana Fatou, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, along with her team, is participating in the celebrations, joined by distinguished guests including senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, the Rwandan diaspora, media representatives, and friends of Rwanda.
In her remarks, H.E. Fatou reflected on Rwanda’s liberation journey since July 4, 1994 — a path of resilience, unity, and transformation following the 1994 Genocide. She emphasized Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to inclusive growth, peace, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
The event features vibrant Rwandan cultural performances, a short film showcasing Rwanda’s remarkable transformation over the past 30 years and its growing global presence in peacekeeping, diplomacy, and development.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Rwanda , Naeem Ullah Khan addressed the event online from Kigali. He mentioned the potential of cooperation and highlighted the need of direct flight connectivity. He said, ” If not PIA, any other private airline of Pakistan can start a flight.”
This was seriously noted as why not PIA? Another question is, how many people travel between the two countries other than the diplomats only. This point remained unaddressed by both sides and the same is the real game changer between two countries.
Here it is worth mentioning that Pakistan with following of Look Africa or Engage Africa policy for at least last 10 years , still has no direct connectivity with Africa while China, Turkiye and India are closely working with Africa having trade of about $50 Billion. The three countries hold Summits with African countries while Pakistan has never held any of such high level interaction.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa), praised Rwanda’s impressive governance and highlighted the immense opportunities for collaboration between Pakistan and Rwanda.
He underscored Rwanda’s reputation as a safe, well-structured, and investment-friendly nation — an ideal destination for Pakistani investors. With its growing economy and strong infrastructure, Rwanda is quickly becoming a major economic hub in the region.
The opening of Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Kigali has brought both nations closer, paving the way for increased cooperation. Following the successful visit of our Foreign Minister, efforts are now underway to turn this momentum into meaningful partnerships.
There is great potential for collaboration—especially in IT, education, and tourism—as both countries move forward on their development journeys.
Director of the Centre of Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) Amna Khan delivered heartfelt introductory remarks, underscoring the strong ties between Rwanda and Pakistan.
She praised Rwanda’s remarkable journey of liberation and resilience, calling it a powerful lesson for Pakistan—a testament to the strength of unity, leadership, and national pride.
Let this celebration be a moment of reflection and inspiration for all nations striving for peace, dignity, and progress.
As part of the Liberation Day celebrations at ISSI, the Rwanda High Commission proudly set up a vibrant stall showcasing Rwandan coffee, tea and cultural products offering guests a taste of Rwanda’s heritage and hospitality.
