Africa Day marked with diplomatic and cultural fervour in Islamabad

Tarar highlights ‘Engage Africa’ Policy, urges cultural, water ties Rana Tahir Shahabz Islamabad Africa Day was commemorated in Islamabad on 12th June with cultural exhibitions and diplomatic engagements highlighting the growing partnership between Pakistan and African nations. The event featured addresses by senior officials and diplomats, alongside country stalls hosted by African missions showcasing traditional cuisine and cultural displays that reflected the continent’s heritage and diversity. Addressing the ceremony attended by African am-bassadors and high commissioners, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar proposed the establishment of a joint Pakistan-Africa cultural forum and called for greater ex-changes of musical troupes to strengthen people-to-people ties. “I would like to make a proposal before your excellencies to have a joint forum to celebrate the African culture, the African music, and the great values that this music and traditions bring,” he said. Minister Tarar described Africa as an emerging economic powerhouse, citing its natural resources, youthful population, and expanding markets as key avenues for trade, investment, and collaboration. He noted that Pakistan’s engagement is guided by the “Engage Africa” policy, which he termed a central pillar of the country’s broader foreign policy out-reach. “From Egypt to South Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, we believe in engagement,” he said. Marking the declaration of the current year as the Year of Water Sustainability, Tarar drew parallels between Pakistan’s Indus Valley heritage and Af-rica’s emphasis on water conservation, adding that both sides share a colonial past and aspirations for equal participation in the global order. The Ambas-sador of Zimbabwe commended Pakistan’s proac-tive approach, welcoming initiatives aimed at build-ing stronger diplomatic and economic bridges. Referencing Africa’s transformative moment driven by youth, innovation, and economic growth