Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Nepal in various sectors, including trade, tourism, and education, during a meeting held on Wednesday in Islamabad.
Dar met with Pakistan’s newly appointed Ambassador-designate to Nepal, Aamir Khan, congratulating him on his new role and underscoring the need to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between the two South Asian neighbors. He encouraged Khan to proactively engage with Nepalese leadership and the local business community to explore and capitalize on new opportunities for mutual economic growth.
Recognizing Khan’s previous diplomatic experience as Director General (Americas) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar extended his best wishes for the ambassador’s forthcoming assignment in Kathmandu.
The discussions focused on broadening the scope of bilateral interactions. Dar highlighted that enhancing people-to-people contacts and expanding cooperation in higher education and tourism sectors could bring substantial benefits to both countries.
In response, the ambassador-designate reaffirmed his dedication to advancing economic ties and implementing Pakistan’s foreign policy goals in Nepal.
Pakistan and Nepal formally established diplomatic relations in 1960 and have since maintained cordial ties grounded in mutual respect and shared views within regional forums such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Current cooperation includes technical assistance, annual educational scholarships for Nepalese students under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP), and collaborative efforts between their chambers of commerce. Both nations have also signed agreements aimed at promoting cultural exchange and boosting tourism to enhance regional travel and heritage appreciation.
