ISLAMABAD: Minister for Energy Khurram Dastgir Khan said that Nepal and Pakistan needed to enhance trade and telecommunication linkages to reduce poverty and bring prosperity to people of both countries.

Addressing a ceremony held here to mark 8th Constitution and National Day of Nepal he said both countries should further their trade linkages and people-to-people contact in order to promote regional connectivity. Dastgir on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed sincerest felicitations to government and people of Nepal on their constitution and national day.

He appreciated Nepali Ambassador Tapas Adhikari for extending support to flood victims and added that next challenge was to rehabilitate displaced people. Ambassador said it was a historic day for Nepal, as on this day in 2015, Constitution Assembly of Nepal promulgated a Constitution, embarking a new era of democracy, human rights, peace, progress, development and prosperity. Nepali social contract embodied democratic norms and values, including principles of human rights, social justice, inclusiveness and equity, he added.

Talking about Pak-Nepal relations, he said that both countries enjoyed strong relationship based on mutual trust and cooperation. Two countries were working together at various bilateral, regional and multilateral forums to promote friendship and cooperation, he mentioned. “As founder members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation both counties have full faith in SAARC Charter and are committed to its objectives.”

Nepal and Pakistan were also working together on agendas of sustainable development, climate change, and environmental protection. He said Pakistan had been an attractive destination for Nepali students. Hundreds of Nepali students graduated from Pakistani colleges and universities and were now serving their motherland, particularly in medical and engineering fields. “Our business relations are also expanding and increasing over years.

I am fully committed to expanding and deepening our relations. “Nepal has always been a hub of mountain and adventure tourism. Our mountains, snow-fed rivers and topography have always fascinated people worldwide,” he added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 22 2022

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