Future belongs to Global South: Mushahid

Islamabad: Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President, Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Africa emphasising that the future belongs to the Global South.

Mushahid was addressing an event as chief guest organised to commemorate Tunisia’s Independence Day here by Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with PAIDAR. Amina Khan, Director, ISSI, moderated the proceedings.

Mr Mushahid highlighted the historical and strategic significance of Pakistan-Tunisia relations within Pakistan’s broader foreign policy framework and special affiliation with the Global South. He recalled Pakistan’s support for North African liberation movements including Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia emphasising its active role in international diplomacy despite limited resources.

Stressing the need for deeper economic and strategic engagement with Africa, he underscored the potential of initiatives like the “Engage Africa” policy. Praising Tunisia’s resilience and leadership, he called for stronger trade, education and cultural exchanges, advocating deeper people-to-people and business linkages.

Dorsaf Maaroufi, Charge d’Affaires, Tunisia, described Tunisia’s Independence Day as a key milestone in its pursuit of sovereignty, democracy and progress. She acknowledged Pakistan’s steadfast support during Tunisia’s struggle for independence and highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries. Noting the modest trade volume, she stressed the potential for greater economic cooperation, given Tunisia’s strategic location. She also cited recent business engagements and the upcoming FITA 2025 forum as opportunities to enhance trade and investment. She concluded by reaffirming Tunisia’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Pakistan.

Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep ties with Tunisia, rooted in shared history, faith and culture. He recalled Pakistan’s support for Tunisia’s independence and Habib Bourguiba’s message to Quaid-e-Azam in 1947. Highlighting the “Engage Africa” policy, he outlined efforts to boost trade, agriculture, energy and industry including talks on a Preferential Trade Agreement.

He stressed expanding economic ties beyond the $13.58 million trade volume, citing opportunities in IT, pharmaceuticals and tourism. He also emphasised Pakistan-Tunisia cooperation on global issues and Africa’s economic potential, urging deeper engagement for mutual growth.

Amina Khan highlighted Tunisia’s struggle for sovereignty and Pakistan’s historic support for its decolonisation. She emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to Africa under the “Engage Africa’ policy stressing the need to expand trade and investment. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening ties with Tunisia and the broader African Continent.

Javed Ahmed Umrani, Ambassador of Pakistan to Tunisia, emphasised Pakistan-Tunisia's longstanding ties, recalling Pakistan’s support for Tunisia’s independence and their growing diplomatic and economic relations since 1958. He noted bilateral trade of $13.58 million in 2023-2024 and highlighted future cooperation in key sectors, including telecommunication, health, education and agriculture.

Suhail Mahmood, DG, ISSI, recognised Tunisia’s active role in regional and global affairs including its principled stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute at the Security Council during its term in 2020-2021. Khalid Mahmood, Chairperson, BoG, ISSI, also addressed the event.