ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (IN): Pakistan and Nepal on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cultural cooperation, with a renewed focus on shared Buddhist heritage and people-to-people engagement as key pillars of bilateral relations.The understanding was reached during a meeting between Nepal’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Rita Dhital, and Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi.Welcoming the Ambassador, the Minister emphasized that Pakistan considers people-to-people contact a cornerstone of effective diplomacy. He underscored the need to enhance collaboration between cultural institutions of both countries in areas such as music, arts, artifacts, and other cultural initiatives.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to closer ties with Nepal, the Minister said such partnerships play a vital role in preserving shared heritage and promoting mutual understanding.Highlighting Pakistan’s rich Buddhist legacy, he noted that the government is making renewed efforts to showcase Buddhist civilization as part of its broader policy to promote religious tourism. He added that Pakistan is home to significant Buddhist artifacts, including the renowned fasting Buddha sculptures, and remains committed to their preservation.He also invited the Ambassador to visit the Department of Archaeology and Museums, which serves as a key repository of cultural artifacts, particularly those linked to Buddhist heritage.Ambassador Dhital, on the occasion, acknowledged the longstanding and cordial relations between the two countries, built on mutual respect and cooperation.
She noted steady progress in bilateral engagement across trade, education, and cultural exchanges, and stressed the importance of collaboration in academia, media, sports, and cultural programs.She appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting and preserving cultural heritage, including Buddhist sites and artifacts.Recalling milestones in bilateral cooperation, the Ambassador referred to the Cultural Agreement signed in May 1970, the role of the Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association in Kathmandu, and the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding between Nepal Academy and Pakistan Academy of Letters, which facilitated the translation of literary works.She also highlighted Nepal’s participation in Pakistan’s cultural initiatives, including the Artist Residency Program for South Asian Countries and the World Culture Festival 2025 held in Karachi.
During the meeting, Ambassador Dhital invited the Minister to attend the International Vesak Day event scheduled to be held at Taxila Museum on May 1, 2026. The event, jointly organized by several Asian embassies, aims to celebrate Buddhist heritage as a unifying cultural link across the region.The ceremony will include participation of monks from Thailand and Sri Lanka, along with activities such as ringing of the peace bell, release of white pigeons as a symbol of peace, and plantation of saplings.The Minister welcomed the initiative and reiterated Pakistan’s support for cultural cooperation that fosters regional harmony.
He also invited Nepalese cultural troupes to visit Pakistan, while assuring that Pakistani troupes would reciprocate to promote cultural exchange.Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar, Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani, and Nepal’s Deputy Chief of Mission Purushottam Dhungel were also present during the meeting.
