NNPakistan 19Aug.25 -Parliament House, Islamabad Pakistan–Nepal + Bhutan Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) with the visiting Parliamentary Delegation from Nepal, today at Parliament House, Islamabad, under the convenership of MNA Dr. Mehesh Kumar Malani. The meeting was attended by Members of the PFG, including Ms. Shaista Khan, Isphanyar M. Bhandara, Mr. Ramesh Lal, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. NikhatShakeel Khan and Ms. Shahnaz Saleem Malik (virtually).
Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Convener of Pakistan – Nepal + Bhutan Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) warmly welcomed the visiting Parliamentary Delegation from Nepal to Parliament House and expressed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation and regional connectivity.
The meeting reviewed the current status of bilateral relations and trade dynamics and explored opportunities for enhanced collaboration, particularly in the area of religious tourism. Special emphasis was placed on Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage, including the historical sites of Gandhara, Taxila, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Mohenjo-daro.
Dr. Mahesh KumarMalani highlighted the challenges faced in expanding trade with Nepal, such as geographical limitations, shipping constraints, and the lack of direct air connectivity. He underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral engagements and recommended the establishment of direct inter-parliamentary contacts through respective Parliamentary Friendship Groups to promote greater cooperation.
Members of the Pakistan–Nepal + Bhutan PFG reaffirmed their commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations and emphasized the significance of restoring direct Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights, which would facilitate easier travel and trade, and boost religious tourism between the countries.
The visiting Parliamentary Delegation from Nepal expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Pakistan and reiterated their intent to strengthen bilateral ties. They supported the proposal for direct airline connectivity to promote greater people-to-people and economic exchanges.
