Pakistan, Nepal eye stronger cultural ties
The Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan, Rita Dhital, called on the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, on Wednesday to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of culture, heritage, and people-to-people exchanges.
Welcoming the Ambassador, the minister underscored that Pakistan places strong emphasis on fostering people-to-people contacts as a fundamental pillar of diplomatic relations.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the cultural institutions of Pakistan and Nepal, particularly in music, the arts, artefacts, and other cultural initiatives.
Khichi reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further deepening cultural ties with Nepal in line with the Prime Minister's vision of enhancing cooperation with friendly countries. Such partnerships, he noted, are vital for preserving shared heritage and promoting mutual understanding among nations.
Drawing attention to Pakistan's rich Buddhist heritage, the minister said the government had directed renewed efforts to highlight Buddhist civilisation as part of its broader policy to promote religious tourism.
He observed that Pakistan is home to invaluable Buddhist artefacts, including the renowned fasting Buddha sculptures, and remains committed to their preservation and promotion.
He also invited the Ambassador to visit the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM), an institution under the Ministry that serves as a key repository of cultural artefacts, particularly those linked to Buddhist heritage.
During the meeting, the Nepalese Ambassador acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Nepal and Pakistan, founded on mutual respect, goodwill, and cooperation.
She noted the steady expansion of bilateral engagement in trade, education, and people-to-people contacts, and emphasised the importance of exchanges in academia, media, sport, and cultural programmes.
She commended Pakistan's efforts under the minister's leadership in promoting, preserving, and conserving culture, the arts, museums, and Buddhist heritage.
Recalling key milestones in cultural cooperation, she referred to the Cultural Agreement signed in May 1970, the continued activities of the Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association in Kathmandu, and the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding between the Nepal Academy and the Pakistan Academy of Letters, which facilitated the translation of literary works, including The Voices of Nepali Poets.
The Ambassador also noted Nepal's active participation in Pakistan's cultural initiatives, including the Artist Residency Programme for South Asian Countries and the World Culture Festival 2025 held in Karachi.
During the meeting, she formally invited the minister to attend the International Vesak Day event to be held at the Taxila Museum on May 1, 2026.
The event is being jointly organised by the Embassies of Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Myanmar to highlight the significance of Buddhist cultural heritage as a unifying link across South, Southeast, Northeast, and Central Asia.