Pakistan’s historical ties with Africa provide a strategic foundation to enhance engagement through mutually beneficial partnerships in trade, development, and security.

Since 1947, Pakistan has supported colonised nations, particularly in Africa, strengthening its diplomatic standing by backing Algeria’s independence, the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, Namibia’s liberation, the end of white rule in Rhodesia, etc. Pakistan actively advanced these causes at platforms like the United Nations (UN).  Moreover, Pakistan extended extensive moral, diplomatic, financial, and material assistance to countries including Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan, Ghana, Libya, Somalia, and Zimbabwe during their freedom movements.

Pakistan was among the first to recognise Algeria’s Provisional Government in 1958, offering diplomatic and political support during Algeria’s struggle against French colonial rule. It also advocated for Algeria at the UN and diplomatically, politically, and morally assisted the National Liberation Front.  

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Pakistan supported Ghana’s independence in 1957, raising the issue of African decolonisation at the UN. It built strong ties with Ghana and shared a vision of post-colonial cooperation through the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).  

Pakistan extended diplomatic support to Morocco’s anti-colonial struggle by facilitating its participation at the UN in 1952. Pakistani passport was issued to the Moroccan envoy, allowing him to speak in favour of his country’s independence. This symbolic act positioned Pakistan as an early advocate of decolonisation and pan-Islamic solidarity.

Similarly, Pakistan’s relations with South Africa span nearly six decades. As a staunch supporter of the African National Congress, Pakistan openly opposed apartheid and racial discrimination in South Africa.........

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