Members of the Pakistani community in South Africa played an active role during the visit of Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Ameer Muqam, on 10 January 2025. Community leaders coordinated engagements that went beyond routine outreach, enabling high-level interactions aimed at strengthening Pakistan–South Africa relations.
A central outcome of the visit was a special meeting between Ameer Muqam and Prince Thumbo Muzi Dlamini, a prominent regional figure, son-in-law of the late Nelson Mandela and elder brother of the King of Eswatini. The meeting focused on exploring avenues for enhanced trade, defence and diplomatic cooperation between Pakistan and South Africa.
The engagement was facilitated through the efforts of Prince Shehbaz, head of international affairs at the Pakistan Association South Africa (PASA), and Aashir Azeem, member of the National Youth Council for South Africa. Prominent businessman Habib Khan, former parliamentarian Fazalullah Khan and other notable figures were also present during the interaction.
Addressing community members, Federal Minister Ameer Muqam appreciated the constructive role played by overseas Pakistanis in advancing Pakistan’s interests abroad. He described the diaspora as a valuable national asset and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening relations with friendly countries through sustained diplomatic engagement supported by overseas communities.
Youth Engagement at the Commonwealth secretariat
In London, Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan held a substantive meeting with Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat Dr Arjun Sidhu. Discussions focused on strengthening the Commonwealth Youth Programme and advancing collaborative strategies to empower young people across member states.
Rana Mashhood highlighted Pakistan’s key youth-focused initiatives, including the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme, which has allocated Rs200 billion for youth financing, alongside the Green Youth Movement and the Digital Youth Hub. These programmes were presented as practical models for promoting economic self-reliance, environmental responsibility and digital skills among young people. Dr Sidhu appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to continued technical cooperation.
PML-N UK hosts dinner to honour PMYP chairman
Later in London, Pakistan Muslim League-N UK hosted a dinner in honour of Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan. The event was attended by party office-bearers, workers and members of the Pakistani community. PML-N UK Secretary General Rashid Hashmi, Focal Person PMYP Farooq Ali Khalid and AJK Coordinator Raja Waseem welcomed the guests.
In his address, Rana Mashhood outlined the objectives and ongoing projects of the PMYP, emphasising leadership development, education, employment and positive civic engagement. He encouraged overseas Pakistani youth to serve as ambassadors of Pakistan’s positive identity and to remain actively connected with national development efforts.
National leaders’ birthdays in Lahore and Tokyo
In Lahore, a dignified ceremony was organised to mark the birthdays of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, alongside Christmas celebrations. Hosted by Shahzad Bhatti, President PML-N Minority Wing, the event emphasised interfaith harmony, national unity and respect for diversity. Barrister Amjad Malik, chairman Overseas Pakistanis Commission Punjab, addressed the gathering and reiterated the government’s resolve to realise Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a progressive and inclusive Pakistan.
Similar commemorations were held in Tokyo under the auspices of PML-N Japan. Senior party leader Rana Abrar Hussain paid tribute to the contributions of Quaid-e-Azam and Nawaz Sharif, highlighting their enduring impact on Pakistan’s political development and national cohesion.
