Islamabad: December 11, 2013; Rich tributes were paid to legendary leader Mr. Nelson Mandela at a condolence reference organized by Pak- South African Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) at Parliament House, Islamabad.  This was the first formal meeting of Pak South African PFG headed by Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Convener of the PFG Dr. Nafisa Shah and other members of the PFG were also present. Speaker opened the meeting by calling a minute’s silence to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that Nelson Mandela is one of history's greatest democratic icons. His legacy will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for generations of pro-democracy leaders, lawmakers, activists and people around the world who strive for freedom and equality, he added. “Down to earth is the key of success. We need to create mood restraint.” he urged.

Dr. Nafisa Shah said Nelson Mandela’s life, struggle and achievements are not only inspiring for our generations that witnessed amazing historical and political transformations, but also our future generations. “He not only made the difference in our lives but he changed the world and renewed our hope for struggle for people’s freedoms and rights” she stated.

The participants of the PFG individually recognized that Mr. Mandela was a flagman and an inspiration for millions of people who lived their lives under captivity of racism, poverty and inequality. The day of his demise is a sad day for every human being who has ever fought for freedom, equality, justice and democracy. He did not seek revenge. Instead he used his charisma, modesty and generosity to help bring about South Africa’s transformation from a racially repressive regime to democracy.

Parliamentary Friendship Group conveyed his deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Nelson Mandela, to members of the National Assembly and to the people of South Africa.  They unanimously passed a resolution expressing grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Nelson Mandela. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Dr. Nisar Ahmed Jatt, Mian Abdul Mannan, Mr. Ghulam Muhammad Lali, Sh. Rohale Asghar, Mr. Rasheed Ahmed Khan, Mr. Muhammad Khan Daha, Ch. Muhammad Ashraf, Makhdom Syed Ali Hassan Gillani, Mian Najeebuddin Awaisi, Sh. Fayyaz ud Din, Mian Imtiaz Ahmed, Ms. Arifa Khalid Parvez, Ms. Maryam Aurangzeb, Mr. Imran Zaffar Leghari, Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar, Mrs. Shahida Rehmani, Dr. Imran Khattak, Engr. Ali Muhammad Khan Advocate, Mr. Shehryar Afridi, Ms. Sajida Begum, Mr. Akram Khan Durrani, Ms. Naeema Kishwer Khan, Ms. Asiya Nasir, Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub, Ms. Aisha, Ms. Tahira Asif, Alhaj Shah Jee Afridi and Sahibzada Muhammad Nazir Sultan were also present.