By Adnan Hameed TWA ______ The Embassy of Nepal in Pakistan hosted a grand reception on Friday in honor of Nepal's Constitution Day and National Day. The event was graced by Federal Minister for Power, Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, who attended as the chief guest, alongside diplomats, government officials, and prominent members of the local community. The event commenced with the national anthems of both Nepal and Pakistan, symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries. A special cake, adorned with the flags of Nepal and Pakistan, was cut by Ambassador of Nepal Tapas Adhikari, accompanied by the Chief Guest, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and the High Commissioners of India and Sri Lanka.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Tapas Adhikari emphasized the historical significance of the day. He highlighted the pivotal role the Constitution of Nepal plays in maintaining national unity within the country’s diverse society. “The Constitution of Nepal embodies a federal system of governance and enshrines democratic norms, values, and the principles of human rights and dignity. It is not just a document; it’s a social contract that upholds the values of modern democracy, placing inclusivity at the heart of its vision,” Ambassador Adhikari remarked. Reflecting on the enduring relationship between Nepal and Pakistan, Ambassador Adhikari underscored the strong ties marked by mutual respect, cooperation, and friendship. He emphasized the need to further expand and diversify these bilateral relations to tap into their full potential for the benefit of both nations. The ambassador also noted the increasing number of Nepali students pursuing higher education in Pakistan, particularly in the fields of medicine and engineering, under technical assistance programs. Many of these students, upon completing their studies, return to Nepal and contribute significantly to their respective fields. Ambassador Adhikari also touched upon Nepal and Pakistan's shared commitment as founding members of SAARC and members of the United Nations. “Both countries have been consistently collaborating in bilateral, regional, and multilateral forums, working towards the common goals of promoting peace, stability, and development,” he said. He further highlighted key areas of cooperation between the two nations, including sustainable development, climate action, and environmental protection, noting that these are critical for the well-being of both countries and the global community.

Recognizing Nepal's global reputation as a hub for adventure tourism, Ambassador Adhikari noted, “Nepal is a learning center for mountaineering, and a large number of foreign tourists, including many from Pakistan, visit Nepal for trekking, mountaineering, and adventure-related activities.”

In his address, Federal Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari extended his warm congratulations to the government and people of Nepal on behalf of Pakistan. He lauded the exemplary state of bilateral relations between the two countries, emphasizing the potential for future collaboration in various fields. The Minister also took the opportunity to wish Ambassador Adhikari well for his future endeavors, as the ambassador announced that this would be his final year in Pakistan, marking the end of his tenure. The event concluded on a note of friendship and mutual respect, reaffirming the strong ties between Pakistan and Nepal and the shared commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation.