A briefing session of the Pakistan–South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG), followed by a meeting with H.E. Mr. Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Pakistan, was held at Parliament House under the convenership of Dr. Nafisa Shah, MNA.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar, MNA; Mr. Muhammad Riaz Fatyana, MNA; Mir Shabbir Ali Bijarani, MNA; Mir Amer Ali Khan Magsi, MNA; Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA; Mr. Asad Alam Niazi, MNA; Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, MNA; Dr. Syeda Shahida Rehmani, MNA; Ms. Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, MNA; and Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki, MNA.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Nafisa Shah underscored the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in further strengthening Pakistan–South Africa relations. She highlighted the role of Parliamentary Friendship Groups in fostering mutual understanding, people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges, and cooperation within the framework of Pakistan’s “Look Africa” Policy and South-South Cooperation.

The participants were briefed by H.E. Malik Muhammad Farooq, High Commissioner of Pakistan to South Africa, who provided a comprehensive overview of South Africa’s political, economic, and social landscape. Representatives of the Pakistani community in South Africa also shared their perspectives, highlighting community-related challenges and security concerns while emphasizing the importance of sustained institutional engagement and enhanced cooperation between the relevant authorities of both countries.

Dr. Nafisa Shah fondly recalled the historic visits of Nelson Mandela to Pakistan and paid tribute to his remarkable legacy. She noted that his unwavering commitment to peace, justice, equality, and reconciliation remains a source of inspiration for generations and continues to strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between Pakistan and South Africa.

During the subsequent meeting, H.E. Mr. Rudolph Pierre Jordaan reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Pakistan and South Africa. He emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation beyond traditional areas through enhanced people-to-people contacts, regular high-level exchanges, and effective follow-up mechanisms to translate goodwill into tangible outcomes. He also highlighted South Africa’s commitment to strengthening partnerships across the Global South.
Mr. Jordaan also highlighted the role of cricket in strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering goodwill between Pakistan and South Africa through regular sporting exchanges.

The participants exchanged views on a range of issues, including bilateral relations, trade and investment, tourism, education, parliamentary cooperation, and cultural exchanges. Members emphasized the need for stronger economic engagement, enhanced institutional linkages, and regular parliamentary interactions to further deepen bilateral ties.

Concluding the meeting, Dr. Nafisa Shah underscored the importance of establishing a counterpart Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Parliament of South Africa to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and people-to-people engagement. She also emphasized the value of sustained high-level exchanges between the two countries.

The participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting closer cooperation and maintaining regular engagement through parliamentary and diplomatic channels to further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and South Africa.