Independence Day of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Kathmandu: The 14th August is the Historical and Great National Day of Pakistan. This Day is the Independence Day of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan. On this auspicious occasion different programmes were celebrated in the World. In Nepal, Nepal-Pakistan Friendship & Cultural Association (NPFCA) also celebrated with a grand talk programme in Kathmandu on 14th August 2012, Tuesday at Hotel Radisson which was followed by a musical programme and Refreshments. On that day, the Chief Guest of the programme was Rt. Hon. Vice President Mr. Parmananda Jha.
 

The Ambassador of Pakistan His Excellency Mr. Arshed Saud Khosa was the Honorable Special Guest of the program.

Likewise, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mr. Bharat Mohan Adhikari, Former Foreign Minister and Senior Leader of Nepali Congress Party Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, Vice Chairman of CPN-Maoist Mr. C.P.Gajurel and General Secretary of CPN-ML Mr. C.P. Mainali were also the Honorable Guests who spoke on the friendly relations between Nepal and Pakistan.

At the Reception, Former Prime Minister Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign minister Ms. Sujata Koirala, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Home minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Former Ministers including Mr. Salim Miya Ansari & Mr. Prakash Koirala, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, UN officials, Former Nepalese Ambassadors to Pakistan, Officials of Embassy of Pakistan & Members of their family, Leaders of the Different Political Parties including Dr. Narayan Khadka and Dr. Minendra Rijal of Nepali Congress, Higher Nepalese Govt. officials including from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Ambika Luitel Joint Secretary, SAARC Director (Pakistan) Mr. Ahmer Ismail as well as Lions Club International District Governor Mr. M.D. Agrawal were present. 
 

Likewise, Acting Chief of Nepal Army Mr. Gaurav S. Rana, Ambassador of China Mr. Yang Houlan, Ambassador of Bangladesh Dr. Neem Chandra Bhowmik, Ambassador of Myanmar U Aye Khaing, Ambassador of Thailand Mrs. Kanthong Unakul, Ambassador of Russian Federation Dr. Sergey V. Velichkin, Military Attache of Chinese Embassy Sen. Col. Cheng Xizhong, Nepalese Consulate Generals, Former Chief Press Secretary of Late King Birendra Chiran S. Thapa, President of Napal-China Study Center Madan Regmi, President of Nepal Council of World Affairs Mr. Tika Jung Thapa, Senior Professor Dambar Bir Thapa and Executives of different social organisations were also present.
 

Likewise, Pakistanese based in Kathmandu, Executives of Everest K2 Society, Pakistan Study Center and Nepal-Pak Chamber of Commerce, Bankers, Industrialists, Business persons, Doctors, Professors, Advocates, Engineers, Media persons, Senior Film Artists as well as large number of persons from various walks of life were also present.
 

The Executive Members, Advisors and Members of NPFCA were also present at the function.
 

The President of NPFCA Mr. Himalaya Shumsher Rana delivered the Welcome speech. In his speech, Mr. Rana said, "Entrepreneurs in both Nepal and Pakistan should take initiative to replicate the successful joint venture entered into by the Himalayan Bank with the Habib Bank of Pakistan. Furthermore, economic cooperation between Nepal and Pakistan should be stepped up, I have been drawing attention to the fact that the volume of import and export between Nepal and Pakistan needs to be considerably expanded. In order to facilitate increased trade between two countries, the stumbling block to transportation of goods by the sea route and / or land route has to be removed with the corporation of our neighboring country India. Presently, both Nepal and Pakistan are passing through a turbulent period."
 

Further Mr. Rana said, “ Nepal has, by now, established diplomatic relations with more than one hundred countries. Nepal has cordial relations with all these countries though the agenda adopted by some of our foreign partners tend occasionally to ruffle the age old harmony in our country. The diplomatic relationship between Nepal and Pakistan has crossed sixty years and its remarkable features have been continuous cordiality, mutual respect and non-interference. Certainly, it is an exemplary diplomatic relationship.
 

Equally notable has been the very warm relationship between the people of Pakistan and Nepal. I had the privilege of living and working in Pakistan for some five years as the Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme and a number of the United Nations Agencies in the1980s. I visited all provinces of Pakistan and met businessmen in Karachi, farmers and landlords in Punjab. I cherish the brotherly regard with which I was received and treated by them all."

Rt. Hon. Vice President Mr. Parmanada Jha

The Chief Guest of the programme Rt. Hon. Vice President Mr. Parmanada Jha also kindly delivered the speech. In his speech, Mr. Jha has said, "Since Nepal and Pakistan belong to the same region of South Asia they share many things in common, particularly in relation to history,civilization social and cultural background of the people . Both these two countries hold identical views on many international issues and cooperate with each other at the international forums for the larger interest of world peace, nonviolence, mutual cooperation and international understanding. There are many international organizations, importantly such as United Nations, Nonaligned Movement, SAARC and others through which both Nepal and Pakistan have been playing a role contributory to building International society without war , violence and poverty.
 

It is heartening to note that it is due to Pakistan’s advancement in the field of science and technology that it has made significant achievements in the arena of socio economic development fostering improvement in the life of its common people. The role that Pakistan has been playing in the strengthening of SAARC and implementing the agenda passed in SAARC summits is worth appreciating. Pakistan commands universal respect for its contribution in the promotion of the ideals embodied in the charter of United Nations and Nonaligned Movement". 

While speaking as a Chief Guest of the programe, Vice-President Mr. Jha, further, said "The exchange of visits undertaken by the political leaders, ministers, high ranking government officials, businessmen, the intellectuals and people of both the countries at different levels has been instrumental of consolidating people to people relations . Tourism and trade are two major factors which can contribute to cementing the relations existing Nepal and Pakistan. Nepal and Pakistan have signed Trade Agreement on july 28, 1982 which can represents a commitment of both those countries to promote trade and business for mutual interest. Therefore both those Countries should pay special heed to the promotion and development of those two sectors of mutual benefits and interest.
 

There are other potential sectors through which both Nepal and Pakistan can share benefits and deepen their bilateral relations. Organizations like Nepal- Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association can play vital role in adding milestone to the strengthening of Nepal’s relation with Pakistan. I am happy to note that the relationship existing between these two  nations, since years , is based on mutual understading, cooperation and friendship".
 

Likewise, the Ambassador of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan H.E. Mr. Arshed Saud Khosa, who presented the letter of credential to Rt. Hon. President Mr. Ram Baran Yadav on 13th August 2012, Monday at Rashtrapati Bhawan amidst a special ceremony, also kindly delivered the speech. 
 

In his speech, H.E. Mr. Arshed Saud Khosa said, “You all would be knowing that Pakistan came into existence 66 years ago on August 14, 1947 after the dedicated leadership and valiant people of the region had waged a long struggle to achieve sovereignty and independence. 14 August is a very important day for all Pakistani citizens, both for those living inside and outside Pakistan. Today is the day when we reflect on our struggle and recall the words of our founding father, Qaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah when, while addressing the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, he put forward a vision for the young nation. In his speech he had said,"….. if we want to make this great State of Pakistan happy and prosperous, we should wholly and solely concentrate on the well-being of the people, and especially of the masses and the poor. If you will work in cooperation, forgetting the past, burying the hatchet, you are bound to succeed. If you change your past and work together in a spirit that everyone of you, no matter to what community he belongs, no matter what relations he had with you in the past, no matter what is his color, caste or creed, is first, second and last a citizen of this state, with equal rights, privileges and obligations, there will be no end to the progress you will make."
 

While emphasing upon unity and equality Qaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah had on the same occasion said,

"You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the State. We are starting with the fundamental principle that we are all citizens and equal citizens of one State. I hope you will find that in course of time Hindus would cease to be Hindus and Muslims will cease to be Muslims, not in the religious sense, because that is the personal faith of each individual, but in the political sense as citizens of the State.
 

It is with those guiding principles that Pakistan has marched forward and achieved successes in diverse fields, which includes, education, health, agriculture, industry, infrastructure and trade and commerce. Today, Pakistan’s agricultural sector is witnessing an annual increase in per capita yields of crops like Wheat, Paddy, sugarcane, Cotton and sunflower crops. The industrial sector has not only expanded but has diversified as well, with focus on textiles, chemicals and food processing etc. We simultaneously admit that we do face a number of challenges in the country, but we, as a nation, are determined to grapple those challenges and cross the temporary hurdles positioned along the path of progress of the nation.”
 

Further, the Ambassador of Pakistan Mr. Khosa said, “The land that encompasses Pakistan has a history that spans over five thousand years. It had been a cradle of ancient civilisations. Excavation conducted in the first quarter of the 20th century in the ancient cities of Harappa and Mohenjodaro point to a highly complex civilisation that had then existed. Similarly, over two thousand years ago, Gandhara Buddhist Civilisation flourished in northern Pakistan, with Taxila as a seat of Buddhist learning.

With great historical pasts our two countries, Pakistan and Nepal share many similarities. The commonalities become more evident when one peeps into the culture and day to living of the people in the two countries, the hospitality, the friendliness and warmth one encounters in our two societies. Understanding of the Urdu language in this beautiful country brings the people a step closer to one another. No wonder that our two countries enjoy cordial relationship that covers a wide spectrum. 

While assuming my new responsibilities I have committed myself towards the further promotion of our friendship and cooperation, particularly towards the expansion of bilateral economic cooperation.”
 

The Pakistan Envoy appreciated the endeavours put in by Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association for organizing this wonderful evening which provided an excellent opportunity to interact and enjoy the company of both, Pakistan and Nepalese citizens and expressed thanks to the Nepal- Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association for arranging the function and providing him the opportunity to meet Nepalese and Pakistani friends.
 

While Congratulating to the Government and the people of Pakistan on the occasion of Independence Day of Pakistan, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mr. Bharat Mohan Adhikari has said, Pakistan and Nepal are close neighbors and good friends since decades. Both the countries enjoy very cordial and cooperative relations which we greatly value this relationship.
 

Mr. Adhikari who is also one of the NCP UML Senior Leader also recalled his visit to Islamabad in the capacity of a Finance Minister in 1995 heading a Nepali delegation for the 4th Nepal-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission Meeting and said, it is a pleasant coincidence that visit was accompanied by Mr. Himalaya Shumsher Rana who is now presiding on this happy occasion. We had discussed various matters related to trade, economic and technical cooperation. Similar meeting was planed early last year, unfortunately it could not be held due to some unavoidable circumstances in Pakistan during that time. Mr. Adhikari hope that the new date for this meeting will be fixed in a convenient date for both the countries through the diplomatic channel.

Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat 

While Congratulating to the Government and to the People of Pakistan on the occasion of the Independence Day of Pakistan, Former Foreign Minister and Senior Leader of Nepali Congress Party Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat said that Nepal and Pakistan has cordial relations and would witness further progress in the bilateral ties in the years to come. He said the two nations shared commonalities in many fields.

Mr. C. P .  Gajurel 

Vice Chairman of CPN-Maoist  and Senior Political leader Mr. C.P Gajurel highlighted on the friendly relations between Nepal and Pakistan and appreciated the Pakistan Government scholarships to Nepalese students. He also congratulated on behalf of his new Parly to the Government and to the people of Pakistan on the occasion of Independence Day of Pakistan.

Mr. C.P.  Mainali 

Senior Political leader and General Secretary of CPN-ML Mr. C.P. Mainali said that both the nations experienced similar kinds of political struggles in the past. 

Mr. Mainali highlighted on Nepal-Pakistan friendly relations and said the two countries had been sharing excellent bilateral ties for the last five decades.

Mr. Manju Ratna Sakya 

At the function, NPFCA Secretary General Mr. Manju Ratna Sakya said that Pakistan is one of the trusted, reliable and old friend of Nepal. 

Mr. Sakya said that Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association was established and registered in 1961 (9th Magha 2018 Monday) from the Government of Nepal after the establishment of Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Pakistan in 1960. The main objectives of NPFCA are to strengthen cordial ties, mutual and friendly relations between our two countries through the people to people level. 

While Congratulating to new  Ambassador of Pakistan H.E. Mr. Arshed Saud Khosa, Mr. Sakya wished him a long life, good health, prosperity and a successful tenure and assured him full support.

Further, Mr. Sakya who is also the President of Nepal Journalists Association also said that the NPFCA feel great pleasure in celebrating the Independence Day of Pakistan every year. 

Mr. Sakya expressed sincere thanks to Embassy of Pakistan specially to H.E. Ambassador of Pakistan, Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Asif Hussain Memon and Head of Chancery Mr. Nazar Hussain.

Mr. Mohan Bir Thapa 

NPFCA Executive member and Senior journalist Mr. Mohan Bir Thapa also highlighted on the friendly relations between Nepal and Pakistan. 

The flower bouquet was presented by NPFCA President Mr. Himalaya S. Rana to Chief Guest, H.E. Ambassador of Pakistan and Speakers Likewise,the Batches and Khadas were presented to Chief Guest, HE Ambassador of Pakistan and Speakers by Baby Girl Ojashwee Prajapati and Mr. Mohan Bir Thapa respectively.

The musical programme was also performed by Pritam and Group.They performed the songs of popular Pakistani singers Mehandi Hasan, Gulam Ali etc. which were appreciated by the listeners.

LONG LIVE NEPAL-PAKISTAN FRIENDLY RELATIONS.