Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Camera : Raja Ghulam Farid
ISLAMABAD : The Rwanda High Commission, in collaboration with the Rwandan Community Abroad, brought together friends of Rwanda, members of the Government of Pakistan, ambassadors, high commissioners, Diplomats, Defence Attaches the UN Resident Coordinator, parliamentarians, businessmen, and journalists to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Kwibuka, meaning “Remember” in Kinyarwanda, is an annual commemoration period that starts on 7 April lasting for 100 days because the genocide continued for 100 days during which approximately 01 Million people were killed. It serves as a solemn time for remembrance of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It is a time to reflect on Rwanda’s journey of rebuilding strength, resilience, and unity. It now falls to new generations to sustain and carry forward this progress, adapting to today’s global challenges to achieve our aspirations.
The commemoration in Islamabad was graced by Chairman Senate and former Prime Minister, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani. Federal Minister Investment Qaisar Ahmad Sheikh also attended the event.
Dean of Diplomatic Corp, Ambassador Atadjan Mavlamov, Secretary Inter Parliamentary Speakers Conference Ms Misbah Khar, General Secretary Inter Parliamentary Union Senator Sitara Ayaz were also present.
High Commissioner, Ms. Fatou Hareiman and staff welcomed the guests. Mr. Gilani, alongwith the High Commissioner lighted the flame in rememberance of the victims of the Genocide. This symbolic memorial was also present at all tables in shape of candles.
During the commemoration, the attendees observed a minute of silence and lit the Flame of Hope, honoring the victims and standing in solidarity with survivors. A documentary and survivor testimony were also played at the event.
H.E. Harerimana Fatou, Rwanda High Commissioner stated that “Rwanda chose forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity under the spirit of Ndi Umunyarwanda ‘I am Rwandan’ as the foundation for rebuilding a peaceful and prosperous nation and towards the Rwanda we want.
She also highlighted that “Kwibuka is not only a time to remember the victims, pay tribute to the Rwanda Patriotic Front/Inkotanyi to stop genocide but also a call for the world to stand together against genocide ideology, divisionism, and hate speech wherever they appear.”
The High Commissioner in her welcome address, briefed the guests about the human tragedy in which about one Million people were killed in just 100 days. She said, to move forward , for the sake of peace and future, we forgive the perpetrators but we do not forget the victims.
She expressed her gratitude to government and people of Pakistan for solidarity with the people of Rwanda.
Chairman Senate and former Prime Minister, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani , in his keynote address, expressed his best wishes for the slogan ” Rwanda from Despair to Hope.” He reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Rwanda. He described the 1994 tragedy as one of the darkest chapters in modern human history, where over a million innocent lives were lost in just one hundred days. He expressed deep grief and extended solidarity with the people of Rwanda.
He paid tribute to the resilience and courage of the Rwandan nation, appreciating its remarkable journey from devastation to unity, reconciliation, and national rebuilding — a powerful example for the world.
Chairman Senate emphasized that remembrance is not only about mourning but also a call to action. He highlighted that unchecked hatred can lead to unimaginable consequences, while tolerance, justice, and unity pave the way for lasting peace.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity, he stressed the importance of protecting the rights of marginalized communities and standing firmly against injustice.
He also called upon the international community to promote inclusive governance, strengthen institutions, and foster a culture of tolerance, ensuring that the pledge of “Never Again” is upheld in both word and action.
The Defence Attache Colonel Shyaka Kajugiro Ismail delivered a detailed lecture highlighting the historical roots, execution, and lasting lessons of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He explained how colonial policies distorted Rwanda’s social structure, institutionalized ethnic divisions, and laid the groundwork for decades of discrimination, ultimately culminating in a planned, state-sponsored genocide fueled by extremist ideology and propaganda.
He further emphasized the international community’s failure to act despite clear warnings, while acknowledging the role of the Rwandan Patriotic Army in ending the genocide. The lecture also focused on Rwanda’s remarkable journey toward justice, unity, and reconciliation through mechanisms such as Gacaca courts and national civic programs like “Ndi Umunyarwanda.”
Concluding with Rwanda’s guiding theme “Remember–Unite–Renew,” he underscored the importance of preserving truth, fostering national cohesion, and building a resilient future, calling on both Rwandans and the global community to uphold the “Never Again” promise through education, critical thinking, and collective responsibility.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Yahya, graced the event as the guest speaker. In his remarks, he stated, “The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda reminds us that genocide begins with the erosion of dignity and exclusion; remembrance must therefore strengthen vigilance, human rights, and unity to ensure such atrocities never happen again.”
Mr. Esdras Kwibuka, Economic Attache of Rwanda High Commission mastered the event amicably.
A documentary on unfortunate incidents of the genocide and later the journey to restoration of normalcy, national unity and development of the state was also screened.
Today , Rwanda is emerging economy in Central Africa playing her role at the contiment and international level in all spheres of life. The event was attended by over 200 participants from all walks of life.
