Zubair Qureshi
Pakistan values its relations with Nepal and looks forward to strengthening them in diverse fields particularly tourism and climate change as both the countries are vulnerable to global warming, environmental degradation. It is imperative that we should make joint efforts to face this challenge.
These views were expressed by Caretaker Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiative Muhammad Sami Saeed while addressing as Chief Guest a reception hosted by Ambassador Tapas Adhikari on the eve of the 9th Constitution Day and the National Day of Nepal.
The event attracted a large number of guests including Maj Gen Haroon Ishaq Raja, former ministers Senator Sherry Rehman, Israr Khan Tareen, Nawabzada Amad Khan, parliamentarians Sen Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Sen Dr Danish Kumar, heads of missions and diplomats from the SAARC countries, ASEAN and others.
According to a guest it (the large gathering) was primarily due to Nepal’s significance as the country is home to the highest peaks in the world and partially due to Nepal Ambassador Adhikari’s increasing popularity in the diplomatic circles as well as the Pakistani people.
One could spot among the guests India’s newly arrived Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Geetika Srivastav, her first public appearance perhaps, after assuming charge a day earlier.
Envoys of France, Phillipines, Malaysia, Hungary, Ethiopia, Canada, Uzbekistan, and others had also come to congratulate the host couple on the auspicious day.
Planning minister was all praise for the people of Nepal. The Constitution Day celebration demonstrates their faith in democracy, rule of law, said the minister. “Our relations,” he said “are based on shared values of respect for each other’s customs, ways of living and territorial integrity.”
Pakistan government is committed to expanding relations with Nepal as both countries boast of having highest peaks and glaciers which are popular among the mountaineers across the world.
