KARACHI: Africa and Pakistan share historical relationship, which was possible due to a budding friendship with Oman, and to foster this connection, excuses should be eradicated and actual measures should be taken, said former Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Sunday.

Speaking at the special launching event of Pakistan’s first think-tank on Africa here, he emphasised the importance of decision-making.

The event was a joint collaboration of Sindh Investment Department, Karachi Council of Foreign Relations (KCFR) and Pakistan-Africa Institute of Development and Research (Paidar) which was founded by Mr Sayed himself.

“If we really want to see a change, we need to have a clear vision, we have all the opportunities in the world, however, the power to ‘act’ and make the right-decision matters the most,” he said.

He thanked the ambassador of Oman for his ongoing efforts for CPEC and noted that without Oman providing access to Gwadar, there would have been no collaborative projects.

“The relationship between Africa and Pakistan should not be limited to foreign policy. It’s about time we start involving business as well,” he said, adding that foreign investments were finally happening which was a step in the right direction.

“Saudi Arabia is all set to invest $20-30 billion, whereas China is going to invest $25bn more, which is a huge achievement in terms of economy,” he informed.

He also noted that in the current political climate, achieving economic stability required first establishing political stability as an immediate priority. “We as a nation, and as authorities, need to pay respect to vote. All political parties should be on a similar page when it comes to the prosperity of the country.”

“There should be no political prisoners, everyone must work equally and add their part towards the betterment of the country,” he said.

Speaking to the media, Mr Sayed stated that the primary goal was to enhance Pakistan’s relations with 55 African countries.

He highlighted Pakistan’s historical bond with these nations, recalling that in the 1950s and 1960s, Pakistan was the first country to support African liberation movements, provide educational assistance, and advocate for them at the United Nations, earning Pakistan significant respect.

Another key objective is to foster people-to-people relationships with African countries. Mr Sayed emphasised that the 21st century was the era of the Global South, and as Pakistan would be a member of the UN Security Council in 2025 and 2026, it aimed to be the voice of the Global South.

“Paidar will serve as a platform for enhancing mutual understanding, education, trade, investment, and diplomacy,” he said.

He expressed optimism for the future of Asian and African countries, noting that next year, they will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference held in Indonesia in 1955, where Pakistan was a founding member of the Asian-African coalition.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2024