{"id":103617,"date":"2025-06-16T13:53:42","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T13:53:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/swahili-sports-and-spice-in-pakistans-rwanda-event"},"modified":"2025-06-16T14:00:36","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T14:00:36","slug":"swahili-sports-and-spice-in-pakistans-rwanda-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/culture-and-art\/swahili-sports-and-spice-in-pakistans-rwanda-event","title":{"rendered":"Swahili Sports and Spice in Pakistan’s Rwanda Event"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>The Pakistan High Commission in Kigali opened its doors on June 13 for a day of cultural fusion, hosting the Pakistan Cultural and Sports Festival that blended Asian traditions with African identity.<\/p>\n

Held on the commission\u2019s premises, the event marked a celebration of cultural diplomacy while spotlighting Rwanda\u2019s literary talent through the launch of a Swahili-language book.<\/p>\n

Dignitaries and high commissioners from across the globe joined the occasion. Attendees included representatives from China, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Barbados, North Korea, South Korea, Chad, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Malaysia, South Sudan, and other nations, signaling a diverse show of diplomatic and cultural solidarity.<\/p>\n

Naeem Ullah Khan, Pakistan\u2019s high commissioner-designate to Rwanda, emphasized the role of culture in bringing nations closer. He said Pakistan is actively engaging with Rwanda\u2019s cultural scene to foster mutual understanding and lasting cooperation.<\/p>\n

Naeem Ullah Khan, Pakistan\u2019s high commissioner-designate to Rwanda, emphasized the role of culture in bringing nations closer<\/p>\n

Describing current relations between the two countries as flourishing, Khan revealed that the embassy has planned a series of new initiatives to deepen bilateral ties.<\/p>\n

Among those efforts is the embassy\u2019s commitment to sports diplomacy. According to Khan, the commission supports local teams in districts such as Kamonyi, Bugesera, and Muhanga through athletic events, including community marathons.<\/p>\n

Speaking to broader themes of international collaboration, Khan added that many of Africa\u2019s challenges must be addressed from within, but with the spirit of unity that links Africa and Asia. He noted that cooperation between the two continents is essential for sustainable development and transformation.<\/p>\n

Guests were treated to an array of traditional Pakistani dishes. The spread featured aromatic biryani, fresh salads, and nihari, a slow-cooked beef stew known for its bold flavor. Also served were chapli kebabs, seekh kebabs, haleem, and spicy karahi, offering a culinary journey through Pakistan\u2019s rich food heritage.<\/p>\n

Beyond cuisine and conversation, the festival served as a platform for entrepreneurship, youth mentorship, and economic dialogue. Business leaders from Rwanda, Asia, and other international communities shared insights into trade, independence, and innovation.<\/p>\n

The highlight of the day\u2019s cultural exchange came with the launch of a Swahili book series, part of the Afrikasia initiative to elevate Swahili as a unifying language in East Africa. The books, authored by Rwandan writer Pacifique Malonga, were presented in a range of languages, including Kinyarwanda, French, Chinese, and regional dialects from Uganda, reinforcing the festival\u2019s commitment to multilingualism and cross-cultural understanding.<\/p>\n

Malonga spoke on the value of linguistic inclusion, noting that Swahili belongs not to a select group of countries but to the entire region. He encouraged Rwandans to learn the language and embrace its role in uniting East Africans.<\/p>\n

Rwandan writer Pacifique Malonga, presented some of his books in a range of languages, including Kinyarwanda, French, Chinese<\/p>\n

\u201cSwahili is not for certain countries,\u201d he said. \u201cIt has crossed borders just as culture has.\u201d Malonga\u2019s remarks come just weeks before Rwanda is set to host World Kiswahili Day on July 7 in Kigali.<\/p>\n

The event blended Asian traditions with African identity. Photos by Craish BAHIZI<\/p>\n

Naeem Ullah Khan, Pakistan\u2019s high commissioner-designate to Rwanda, interacts with participants at the event<\/p>\n

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