The Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan, Her Excellency Ms. Rita Dhital, called on Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, on Wednesday at his office to discuss avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation in culture, heritage, and people-to-people engagement.
Welcoming the Ambassador, the Federal Minister emphasized that Pakistan strongly believes in fostering people-to-people contacts as a cornerstone of diplomatic relations. He underlined the importance of cooperation between the cultural institutions of Pakistan and Nepal, particularly in the fields of music, arts, artifacts, and other cultural initiatives.
The Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cultural ties with Nepal in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of promoting cooperation with friendly countries. He noted that such partnerships play a vital role in preserving shared heritage and advancing mutual understanding among nations.
Highlighting Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage, the Minister stated that the government has directed renewed efforts to showcase Buddhist civilization as part of its broader policy to promote religious tourism.
He observed that Pakistan is home to invaluable Buddhist artifacts, including the renowned fasting Buddha sculptures, and remains dedicated to preserving and promoting this legacy.
He further invited the Ambassador to visit the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM), an institution working under the Ministry and serving as a hub of cultural artifacts, particularly those connected to Buddhist heritage.
During the meeting, the Nepalese Ambassador acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Nepal and Pakistan, built on mutual respect, goodwill, and cooperation.
The Ambassador highlighted the steady growth in bilateral engagement across trade, education, and people-to-people contacts, while stressing the value of exchanges in academia, media, sports, and cultural programs. She commended Pakistan’s efforts under the Minister’s leadership in the promotion, preservation, and conservation of culture, arts, museums, and Buddhist cultural heritage.
She also recalled key milestones in bilateral cultural cooperation, including the Cultural Agreement signed in May 1970, the continued work 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 such as The Voices of Nepali Poets.
The Ambassador noted Nepal’s active 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, the Ambassador formally invited the Federal Minister to attend the International Vesak Day event to be held at Taxila Museum on Friday, May 1, 2026. The event is being jointly organized by the Embassies of Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Myanmar to mark the significance of Buddhist cultural heritage as a unifying thread across South Asia, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and Central Asia.
She informed that venerable monks from Thailand and Sri Lanka will participate in the ceremony at Dharmarajika, while activities at the Taxila campus will include the ringing of the peace bell, the release of white pigeons as a symbol of peace, and the planting of saplings in the garden.
She added that Punjab Minister for Tourism, Archaeology and Museums, Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb, has also accepted the invitation as Guest of Honour.
The Federal Minister welcomed the initiative and reiterated Pakistan’s support for international cultural cooperation that strengthens regional harmony and shared heritage.
She also lauded Pakistan’s positive efforts to promote and preserve Buddhist heritage.
Meanwhile, the Minister invited Nepal’s cultural troupes to visit Pakistan and stated that Pakistani troupes would also visit Nepal in order to foster cultural exchange between the two countries.
Parliamentary Secretary Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division, Mr. Asad Rehman Gillani, and Deputy Chief of Mission, Nepal, Mr. Purushottam Dhungel, were also present on the occasion.
