Pakistani institutions on Tuesday, July 7, marked the 32nd anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation with a commemoration that celebrated the country’s post-Genocide transformation while reaffirming growing bilateral ties between Pakistan and Rwanda.
The event was organised by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR). It brought together diplomats, policymakers and researchers from both countries.
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Speaking at the event, ISSI Board of Governors Chairman Khalid Mahmood described Liberation Day as a symbol of Rwanda’s journey from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to peace, reconciliation and development.
He said Pakistan values its expanding partnership with Rwanda, noting that the opening of diplomatic missions in Kigali and Islamabad had created new opportunities for cooperation in trade, education, technology and people-to-people exchanges.
Mahmood also recalled Pakistan’s contribution to UN peacekeeping and Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery, paying tribute to former Pakistani Foreign Secretary Shaharyar M. Khan, who served as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Rwanda during a critical period after the Genocide.
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Amina Khan, Director of CAMEA, said Liberation Day reflects Rwanda’s remarkable transformation and highlighted her institution’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s engagement with Africa through dialogue and institutional partnerships.
President of PAIDAR, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, described Rwanda as a model of resilience, reconciliation and socio-economic transformation.
He said the country’s achievements in stability, modernization and digital development offer an example for others, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Rwanda and promoting Afro-Asian solidarity.
Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Fatou Harerimana, paid tribute to the soldiers of the Rwanda Patriotic Army who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle, saying their courage laid the foundation for Rwanda’s transformation into one of Africa’s cleanest, greenest and most innovative countries.
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She highlighted Rwanda’s progress in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, healthcare and peaceful nuclear energy, as well as its growing reputation as a leading conference destination.
Harerimana also called for expanded cooperation between Rwanda and Pakistan in areas including climate change and green energy, while acknowledging the contribution of the Pakistani community in Rwanda and friends of Rwanda in Pakistan in strengthening relations between the two countries.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Naeem Khan, said Liberation Day marks the country’s achievements in peace, nation-building and development.
He praised Rwanda’s progress in governance, digitalisation and public service delivery, describing its development model as a source of valuable lessons for other countries.
The diplomat also pointed to growing trade and business links following recent high-level exchanges and encouraged Pakistani businesses and tourists to explore opportunities in Rwanda.