Nepal and Pakistan Pledge to Expand Bilateral Cooperation in All Sectors at 8th Constitution Day

Tazeen Akhtar

Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan, Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) has said that regional connectivity is required for shared prosperity in the regions but unfortunately South Asia is the least connected region in the whole World. We have to work hard for its remedy to connect our countries for the welfare of our people. Pakistan attaches great value to its relations with Nepal. Both countries are contributing to the strengthening of democracy. Nepal has recently experienced democracy and Pakistan is celebrating 50 years of its Constitution. Democracy is a common value in both nations.

The Minister made these remarks at the reception hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Tapas Adhikari,  Ambassador of Nepal at Serena Hotel on 20 Sep 2022 to celebrate the 8th Constitution and National Day of Nepal. He congratulated the government and people of Nepal on their auspicious day and expressed his best wishes for them.

Envoys of SAARC countries, Dean of Diplomatic Corp, Ambassador Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov, other diplomats, and defense attaches were present in large numbers. Officials of Government and all three wings of the Military of Pakistan also attended the reception. Director General Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mumtaz Zahra Baloch and other Officials from MOFA also graced the event with their presence.

“We have to travel a long way to promote trade, strengthen telecom links, communication, and understanding that are necessary to alleviate poverty in our countries. Democracy always takes us towards development”, Minister noted.

Khurram Dastgir expressed his gratitude to the government of Nepal for solidarity and dispatch of relief flight for flood-affected people of Pakistan. He said ” Pakistan will start the restoration phase of the victims next month. It is a difficult task. We seek cooperation from the World community in this regard.”

Ambassador Adhikari, in his welcome address, expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies to the government and the people of Pakistan. He said the Government and people of Nepal are with Gov and the people of Pakistan at this time of trouble.

He shared “On this day on 20 Sep 2015, the Consitution Assembly of Nepal promulgated a constitution embarking on a new era of democracy, human rights, peace, progress, development, and prosperity.”

“The Nepali social contract embodies democratic norms and values including principles of human rights, social justice, and equity. It is a most democratic constitution which has all features of modern democracy, human rights, and inclusiveness. The Constitution has federated the country into seven provinces republic system of governance and ensured participation and representation of marginalized people through the strengthening of a democratic polity, good governance, and rule of law. ” Ambassador continued.

“To mark this important day in our history, Nepal has been celebrating this day as the Constitution Day and National Day of Nepal since then. The Constitution holds the fundamental principle of inclusion and participation, among others, one-third of the member of parliament are women and a significant number of ethnic and minority communities represent and participate in the country’s policy as well as law-making processes. A few years back the onetime top three state positions among five were headed by women including the President, Chief Justice, and Speaker of Parliament. The inclusive principle is mainstreamed in all walks of national life making Nepal a most diverse, plural, and inclusive society”, Mr. Tapas Adhikari said.

“The promulgation of the constitution also marks a journey to development and prosperity, from instability to stability and peace. Nepal attaches high importance to this day in her history and celebrates it as both Constitution and the National Day of Nepal. Seven years down the road, the foundation laid by this Constitution is getting stronger toward fulfilling the long-cherished aspirations of Nepali people for progress and prosperity. The first five-year term of the parliament and provincial assemblies have completed their term and the country is now heading to hold federal and provincial assemblies’ elections later this year in Nov, after the successful conclusion of local level elections in May 2022.”

Ambassador Adhikari also dwelled on Nepal-Pakistan relations. He said our relations have always been cordial and friendly. The establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960 further strengthened the bond of friendship and cooperation. The relations are strong based on mutual trust and cooperation. Both countries are working together at various bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora to promote friendship and cooperation. As founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), both countries have full faith in SAARC Charter and are committed to its objectives. Nepal and Pakistan are working together on the agendas of sustainable development, climate change, and environmental protection.

Pakistan has been a destination for Nepali students for their studies. Hundreds of Nepali students have graduated from Pakistani colleges and universities and now working in various parts of Nepal, particularly in medical and engineering fields. They are the brand ambassador of Pakistan in Nepal linking our countries and societies together.

Ambassador said, “I take this opportunity to thank the Gov of Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP) for extending generous offers to Nepali students to enroll in Pakistani colleges and universities. During the difficult time of the COVID pandemic, Nepal and Pakistan have worked together to promote cooperation. I thank Gov of Pakistan for supporting Nepal during this time. Our business relations are also expanding and increasing over the years. Although there was a little slack during the COVID, we need to work together to bring them back to track after the pandemic and expand further.”

Ambassador shared the tourist attractions of his country. He said, “Nepal has always been a hub of mountain and adventure tourism. Our mountains, snow-fed rivers, and topography have always fascinated people across the world. People’s culture, tourism, and hospitality have made Nepal a center of tourism on the global tourism map. Like other industries, the tourism industry also received a setback during the COVIS pandemic. Now the situation is improving. Tourists are again coming back to Nepal. On this occasion, I would like to invite our Pakistani and other friends to visit Nepal to experience the beauty of the land and to taste Nepali hospitality Nepal has the best hospitality industry in South Asia.”