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Nepal–Pakistan relations

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Pakistan-Nepal relations
Map indicating locations of Pakistan and Nepal

Pakistan
Nepal

Nepal–Pakistan relations are the bilateral relations between the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Nepal and Pakistan, both Himalayan states, established diplomatic relations on 29 March 1960.[1] These relations were fully established between 1962 and 1963,[2] both nations have since sought to expand trade, strategic and military cooperation. The connections were severed in 1972 followed by Nepal's recognition of Bangladesh,[3] but were later re-established.

History

Nepal established diplomatic relations with India after the latter's independence in 1947, but did not do so with Pakistan. In 1950, Nepal signed a Treaty of Peace and Friendship with India, creating an extensive relationship of economic, strategic and defence cooperation. Nepal thus remained aloof from Pakistan, which was at conflict with India.[4][5][6] However, Nepal's resentment of Indian influence perceived to be excessive prompted the Nepalese government to develop relations with the People's Republic of China and Pakistan.[6][7][8] Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Pakistan were established on 20 March 1960. After the establishment of diplomatic relations, the bonds of friendship and cordiality between these two countries, propelled by understanding and cooperation, have strengthened. The state of bilateral relations at present is based on goodwill, mutual cooperation and friendship. Nepal established a residential Nepalese embassy in Pakistan in 1962 and honorary Nepalese consulate general in Karachi in 1975.[9]

Diplomatic relations

Nepal and Pakistan signed a protocol for establishing diplomatic relations in 1962. They exchanged ambassadors and set up embassies in 1963, when Ayub Khan, the President of Pakistan made a special visit to Nepal.[2] Both nations also signed agreements to reciprocate the "Most Favored Nation" status of importance for developing trade and cooperation.[2] In 1963, Pakistan agreed to provide Nepal with free trade access and transport facilities through the port of Chittagong in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and established an air link. This arrangement reduced Nepal's dependence on India for trading privileges.[2] Although Nepal officially maintained neutrality during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, it was one of the first to recognise the independence of Bangladesh. As a retaliation, Islamabad severed ties with Kathmandu two days later.[3]

Pakistan support for the democratic process

Politically, Nepal and Pakistan have remained good friends over the decades. Pakistan has extended its support for the democratic process in Nepal, after the successful People's Movement-II. Pakistan welcomed the restoration of Nepal's parliament following the popular movement and hoped that the breakthrough would usher in an era of durable peace and prosperity in Nepal. Pakistan has been reiterating its support for Nepal's sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful development.[1]

SAARC Summit

The 19th SAARC summit was a scheduled diplomatic conference, which was originally planned to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan on 15–16 November 2016. Following the rising diplomatic tensions after the Uri terrorist attack, India announced its boycott of the summit, alleging Pakistan's involvement in the attack.

Nepal, the current chair of SAARC, urged that "a conducive environment be created soon to ensure the participation of all member states in the 19th SAARC summit in line with the spirit of the SAARC charter".[10]

Whilst Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba underscored his country's commitment to make SAARC a constructive forum for the region and to support Pakistan for the holding of the next SAARC Summit in Islamabad.[11]

Economic relations

Nepal and Pakistan signed a trade agreement on 19 October 1962, in order to boost up the bilateral trade. Despite another extensive 1982 trade agreement, the volume of bilateral trade remains comparatively small at US$4.8 million.[12] Pakistan's total exports to Nepal are worth US$1.631 million, while Nepal's exports to Pakistan tally $3.166 million.[12] Both countries have recently stepped up efforts to promote bilateral trade, especially in textiles, oilseeds, extraction of oil and tourism; Pakistan also offered a US$5 million line of credit to Nepal.[13][12][14] Nepal and Pakistan are signatories to the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) and members of the South Asian Economic Union.

FNCCI-FPCCI Joint Business Council

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry have established FNCCI-FPCCI Joint Business Council. Its meetings provides opportunities for the business communities of the two countries to meet and discuss business opportunities in each other's countries.

Education

Pakistan, under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP), provides annually scholarships to Nepal in Medicine, Pharmacy and Engineering. There are 500 Nepali students undertaking higher studies in the field of medical science, engineering, pharmacy, information technology, social science, management, and mass communication in Pakistan. Pakistan provides long and short term training's to the government officials of Nepal.[15]

Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme

Pakistan has been providing 15 scholarships annually to Nepalese students under Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and engineering. Besides, some Nepalese students have been studying in the areas of humanities and business administration on self-finance basis. Pakistan has also provided short-term and long-term trainings to Nepal Army officers.[1]

Rescue and relief work

Nepalese Army, Pakistan Air Force, United States Air Force work together to download relief supplies in Nepal.

After the devastating earthquake of April 2015, the Government of Pakistan sent immediate assistance to Nepal. It dispatched rescue and relief teams, food, water, tents and other relief material. Pakistan took part in the International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction and pledged support to Nepal.[16]

The Government of Pakistan provided US$1 million to the Government of Nepal as the relief to the victims of flood and landslides in Terai region of Nepal in 2017.

Security relations

In recent years, both countries began developing military cooperation, with Nepal importing arms from Pakistan.[17] Condemned and isolated from India, Great Britain and the United States between 2004 and 2006 for repressing democracy, the Nepalese monarchy developed military cooperation with China and Pakistan, who offered extensive military support, arms and military equipment to Nepal for the monarchy to stay in power and fight the Maoist insurgency.[17][13] Both Pakistan and China have provided medium-tech weapons to Nepal.

Culture

Nepal and Pakistan signed the Cultural Agreement in May 1970 which aims at promoting cultural relations, establishing inter-universities relations, and cooperation between Radio and Television. Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association is in operation in Kathmandu. A Nepal Friendship Group also exists in Islamabad.

Tourism

Nepal and Pakistan signed the Agreement on Tourism Cooperation in February 2009. The Agreement provides for mutual cooperation in tourism and archaeology; exchanges of tourism organizations and travel and tour operators; cooperation to encourage tourists from third countries to visit their respective countries; mutual exchange of tourism information, materials and experience; production of tourism-related films and video-tapes; and joint collaboration for investment.[15]

Every year about 5,000 tourist from Pakistan visit Nepal.[18]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 21 June 2013. Retrieved 18 November 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. ^ a b c d "Nepal - Pakistan and Bangladesh". Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  3. ^ a b "Nepal - Pakistan and Bangladesh". U.S. Library of Congress. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
  4. ^ "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Editorial". Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  5. ^ Dick Hodder, Sarah J. Lloyd, Keith Stanley McLachlan. Land-locked States of Africa and Asia. page 177. Routledge, 1998. ISBN 0-7146-4829-9
  6. ^ a b "India - Nepal". Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  7. ^ "Nepal's China-Card - Scoop News". Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  8. ^ "Sino-Nepalese relations". Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  9. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 18 February 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  10. ^ "Create conducive environment for participation of all member states in Saarc summit: Nepal". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
  11. ^ http://www.app.com.pk/nepal-supports-pakistans-bid-for-saarc-summit-at-islamabad/
  12. ^ a b c "Pakistan and Nepal bilateral trade to be improved". Retrieved 17 April 2017.[permanent dead link‍]
  13. ^ a b "BBC NEWS - South Asia - Nepal, Pakistan in economy talks". Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  14. ^ Online, Asia Time. "Asia Times Online :: South Asia news, business and economy from India and Pakistan". Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  15. ^ a b http://mofa.gov.np/nepal-pakistan-relations/
  16. ^ https://www.dawn.com/news/1178334
  17. ^ a b Pike, John. "Nepal gov't procuring military articles from China, Pakistan". Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  18. ^ http://www.tourismdepartment.gov.np/files/download/6e3a3bdd4e069e5
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