ISLAMABAD: Rwanda Liberation Day was commemorated in Islamabad as government officials, diplomats, parliamentarians, business leaders and members of the diplomatic community gathered to celebrate Rwanda’s 32nd Liberation Day (Kwibohora) and reflect on the country’s transformation since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The ceremony, organised by the Embassy of Rwanda in Islamabad, highlighted Rwanda’s progress in national unity, governance, innovation and economic development while underscoring the growing partnership between Pakistan and Rwanda.
Addressing the gathering, Barrister Aqeel Malik, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Law and Justice, said Rwanda’s Liberation Day represents the courage, resilience and determination of the Rwandan people. He described the occasion as a milestone that marked the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the beginning of the country’s journey towards peace, reconciliation and sustainable development.
The minister praised Rwanda’s achievements in governance, healthcare, education, innovation and economic growth over the past three decades. He said the country has emerged as a model of recovery and development in Africa while strengthening cooperation with Pakistan in trade, defence, education and multilateral diplomacy.
Speaking at the event, Fatou Harerimana, High Commissioner of Rwanda to Pakistan, paid tribute to the soldiers of the Rwanda Patriotic Army who lost their lives while ending the genocide and restoring peace. She said Rwanda’s transformation under the leadership of Paul Kagame and the Rwanda Patriotic Front has positioned the country as a hub for innovation, investment and sustainable development in Africa.
She highlighted Rwanda’s achievements across several sectors, including infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, education, information technology, artificial intelligence and sports. She noted that Rwanda has expanded its digital infrastructure through the rollout of 5G technology while preparing for future 6G deployment and has established institutions such as the Africa Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation and the Coding College Academy to promote advanced scientific and technological skills.
The High Commissioner also said Rwanda is developing nuclear energy, strengthening pharmaceutical manufacturing and preparing to host the headquarters of the African Medicines Agency. She added that more than 90 per cent of the country’s population benefits from health insurance coverage, while Rwanda continues to play a leading role in vaccine production and healthcare innovation across Africa.
Highlighting the country’s tourism ambitions, she said Rwanda continues to invest in luxury hospitality, national parks and a new Kigali International Airport, which is expected to become one of Africa’s largest aviation hubs. She also noted Rwanda’s success in hosting major international sporting events and its plans to stage future global competitions.
On gender equality, Harerimana said Rwanda remains the world leader in female parliamentary representation, with women holding nearly 64 per cent of seats in parliament.
She reaffirmed the growing diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and Rwanda, describing it as a partnership based on mutual respect, shared values and cooperation in defence, health, education, parliamentary exchanges, trade, gender equality and human rights. She also acknowledged the contribution of the Pakistani community living in Rwanda in strengthening people-to-people and business ties between the two countries.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from both sides to expand bilateral cooperation and work together on international platforms to promote peace, sustainable development and regional prosperity.
