ISLAMABAD – In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani welcomed the newly appointed Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan, Rita Dhital, in Islamabad. The meeting underscored Pakistan’s deep-rooted fraternal ties with Nepal, built on a foundation of shared history, cultural connections, and mutual respect.
Chairman Senate congratulated Ambassador Dhital on her appointment, extending his warmest wishes for a successful diplomatic tenure in Pakistan. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing cooperation with Nepal, particularly through high-level engagements, which he described as vital to strengthening mutual ties.
Recognizing the untapped potential in trade, Chairman Senate noted that the current trade volume of USD 6.47 million does not reflect the depth of goodwill between the two nations. He called for proactive efforts to boost economic exchanges.
Defense collaboration was also highlighted, with Pakistan offering 101 free-of-cost training slots to Nepalese armed forces, of which 31 have been utilized—an example of growing strategic ties. In the field of education, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP), which annually provides 25 scholarships to Nepali students.
Chairman Senate emphasized the shared Buddhist heritage between Pakistan and Nepal and called for converting the historic links between Taxila and Lumbini into practical religious tourism initiatives. He extended an open invitation to the people of Nepal to visit Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage sites.
Addressing common environmental concerns, he advocated for enhanced collaboration to combat the adverse effects of climate change and emphasized the need for regional cooperation. He also praised Nepal’s pivotal role as the current Chair of SAARC, expressing hope for the revitalization of the organization as a strong platform for South Asian integration.
Ambassador Dhital thanked Chairman Senate for the warm welcome and expressed full agreement with his vision for expanding bilateral cooperation.
The meeting marked a reaffirmation of Pakistan and Nepal’s shared commitment to peace, progress, and regional solidarity.
BY: The Times Union
