Pakistan Stands in Solidarity as Rwanda Commemorates Kwibuka 32 in Islamabad
Rwanda High Commission in Pakistan Commemorates the 32nd Anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi
Chief Guest – Chairman Senate Gilani, UN Officials Join Rwanda’s Kwibuka 32nd Genocide Remembrance Ceremony in Pakistan’s Capital in Islamabad
Islamabad – 7 April 2026 (Adnan Hameed) : The Rwanda High Commission in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Rwandan Community Abroad, hosted a commemorative event at Serena Hotel, bringing together government officials, diplomats, UN representatives, parliamentarians, business leaders, and media professionals to mark the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda on 7 April 2026.
During the commemoration, the attendees observed a minute of silence and lit the Flame of Hope, honoring the victims and standing in solidarity with survivors. A documentary and survivor testimony were also played at the event.
Addressing to the gathering, Harerimana Fatou, Rwanda High Commissioner stated that “Rwanda chose forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity under the spirit of Ndi Umunyarwanda ‘I am Rwandan’ as the foundation for rebuilding a peaceful and prosperous nation and towards the Rwanda we want.
She also highlighted that “Kwibuka is not only a time to remember the victims, pay tribute to the Rwanda Patriotic Front/Inkotanyi to stop genocide but also a call for the world to stand together against genocide ideology, divisionism, and hate speech wherever they appear.”
The UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, Muhammad Yahya, graced the event as the guest speaker. In his remarks, he stated, “The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda reminds us that genocide begins with the erosion of dignity and exclusion; remembrance must therefore strengthen vigilance, human rights, and unity to ensure such atrocities never happen again.”
The commemoration was graced by the Right Honourable Chairman of the Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani as the Chief Guest.
On this solemn occasion, Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, described the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda as one of the darkest chapters in modern human history, where over a million innocent lives were lost in just one hundred days. He expressed deep grief and extended solidarity with the people of Rwanda, paying tribute to the resilience and courage of the Rwandan nation and appreciating its remarkable journey from devastation to unity, reconciliation, and national rebuilding, a powerful example for the world.
He emphasized that remembrance is not only about mourning but also a call to action, noting that unchecked hatred can lead to unimaginable consequences, while tolerance, justice, and unity pave the way for lasting peace. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity, he stressed the importance of protecting the rights of marginalized communities and standing firmly against injustice, while calling upon the international community to promote inclusive governance, strengthen institutions, and foster a culture of tolerance to ensure that the pledge of “Never Again” is upheld in both word and action.
Colonel Shyaka Kajugiro Ismail, the Defence attaché at Rwanda High Commission in Islamabad delivered a detailed lecture highlighting the historical roots, execution, and lasting lessons of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He explained how colonial policies distorted Rwanda’s social structure, institutionalized ethnic divisions, and laid the groundwork for decades of discrimination, ultimately culminating in a planned, state-sponsored genocide fueled by extremist ideology and propaganda.
He further emphasized the international community’s failure to act despite clear warnings, while acknowledging the role of the Rwandan Patriotic Army in ending the genocide. The lecture also focused on Rwanda’s remarkable journey toward justice, unity, and reconciliation through mechanisms such as Gacaca courts and national civic programs like “Ndi Umunyarwanda.” Concluding with Rwanda’s guiding theme “Remember–Unite–Renew,” he underscored the importance of preserving truth, fostering national cohesion, and building a resilient future, calling on both Rwandans and the global community to uphold the “Never Again” promise through education, critical thinking, and collective responsibility.
The event was attended by over 200 participants from diplomatic, government, international, media, think tanks, academia and business communities.
