ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, July 23, 2025 (WNP): Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening fraternal ties with Nepal, emphasizing shared cultural heritage, mutual respect, and the need to unlock untapped potential in trade, tourism, and regional cooperation.
He made these remarks during a meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan, Rita Dhital, at the Parliament House. Welcoming the ambassador, Gilani extended best wishes for her diplomatic assignment and expressed hope for enhanced bilateral engagement during her tenure.
“Pakistan greatly values its historic and friendly relations with Nepal, and high-level exchanges are key to deepening our partnership,” the chairman noted, underlining the importance of increasing such interactions.
Gilani acknowledged that the current trade volume of USD 6.47 million (2024–25) falls short of the goodwill and potential that exists between the two countries. He called for concerted efforts to boost economic collaboration.
Highlighting defense cooperation, Gilani appreciated Nepal’s growing engagement with Pakistan’s military training institutions. He noted that of the 101 training slots offered by Pakistan, 31 had already been utilized by Nepali armed forces.
On educational ties, he emphasized the continued support under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP), which annually awards 25 scholarships to Nepali students.
The Senate chairman also pointed to the shared Buddhist heritage as a bridge for religious tourism, proposing stronger linkages between historic sites like Taxila in Pakistan and Lumbini in Nepal. “There is enormous potential in transforming these cultural and religious connections into meaningful people-to-people exchanges,” he said, while inviting Nepali citizens to explore Pakistan’s Buddhist sites.
Addressing the global climate crisis, Gilani emphasized the need for joint action and collaboration at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels, acknowledging the climate challenges faced by both countries.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation, he called for the revitalization of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), appreciating Nepal’s role as its current chair and host. “We hope to see SAARC regain its full momentum in the near future,” he added.
Ambassador Dhital thanked the Chairman for the warm welcome and agreed with his views on enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors.
