Islamabad, 20 September 2022 (TDI): National and Constitution Day of Nepal was celebrated in Islamabad. The Federal Minister of Pakistan for Energy, Khurram Dastgir attended the event as the chief guest.
While addressing the reception Minister Khurram Dastgir enunciated that the South Asian region is the least interconnected region. Along these lines, he recommended greater partnership to ensure regional connectivity for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders.
Talking about the unprecedented and disastrous floods that have ravaged Pakistan, he lauded Nepal for dispatching more than 22 tonnes of humanitarian emergency relief materials for the flood victims.
The Ambassador of Nepal, Tapas Adhikari also addressed the occasion. Following is the text of his speech;
His Excellency
Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, Federal Minister for Energy, Government of Pakistan,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests
Friends from Media
Ladies and gentlemen
Namaste, As-Salamu alaykum, and a warm good evening!
I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all on the 8th Constitution Day and the National Day celebration of Nepal. I also extend sincere thanks to you all for being here with us this evening to celebrate this important day in Nepal.
Before I speak further, let me express our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Government and people of Pakistan and those families who have undergone a tough time due to the Monsoon floods across Pakistan.
The Government and people of Nepal are with the Government and people of Pakistan at this time of trouble.
Excellencies and distinguished guests,
Today is a great day for Nepal and Nepali people around the world. On this day on 20 September 2015, the Constitution Assembly of Nepal promulgated a constitution embarking on a new era of democracy, human rights, peace, progress, development, and prosperity.
The Nepali social contract embodies democratic norms and values including principles of human rights, social justice, and equity.
It is a most democratic constitution which has all features of modern democracy, human rights, and inclusiveness.
The Constitution has federated the country into seven provinces and a republic system of governance and ensured participation and representation of marginalized people through the strengthening of a democratic polity, good governance, and rule of law.
To mark this important day in our history, Nepal has been celebrating this day as the Constitution Day and National Day of Nepal since then. I take this opportunity to thank all our friends around the world including friends from Pakistan for their support, cooperation, and understanding.
I won’t go into the details of the Constitution here but let me highlight one important facet of it this evening. As the Constitution holds the fundamental principle of inclusion and participation, among others, one-third of the members of the parliament are women and a significant number of ethnic and minority communities represent and participate in the country’s policy as well as law-making processes.
A few years back a one-time top three state positions among five were headed by women including the President, Chief Justice, and Speaker of Parliament.
The inclusive principle is mainstreamed in all walks of national life making Nepal a most diverse, plural, and inclusive society.
The promulgation of the constitution also marks a journey to development and prosperity, from instability to stability and peace.
Nepal attaches high importance to this day in her history and celebrates it as both Constitution and the National Day of Nepal. Seven years down the road, the foundation laid by this Constitution is getting stronger towards fulfilling the long-cherished aspirations of the Nepali people for progress and prosperity.
The first five-year term of the parliament and provincial assemblies have completed their term and the country is now heading to hold federal and provincial assembly elections later this year in November, after the successful conclusion of local level elections in May 2022.
Distinguished Guests,
The relations between Nepal and Pakistan have always been cordial and friendly. The establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960 further strengthened the bond of friendship and cooperation.
The relations are strong based on mutual trust and cooperation. Both countries are working together at various bilateral, regional, and multilateral forums to promote friendship and cooperation.
As founder members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), both counties have full faith in SAARC Charter and are committed to its objectives.
Nepal and Pakistan are working together on the agendas of sustainable development, climate change, and environmental protection.
Pakistan has been a destination for Nepali students for their studies. Hundreds of Nepali students have graduated from Pakistani colleges and universities and now working in various parts of Nepal, particularly in the medical and engineering field.
They are the brand ambassador of Pakistan in Nepal linking our countries and societies together. I take this opportunity to thank the Government of Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP) for extending generous offers to Nepali students to enroll in Pakistani colleges and universities.
During the difficult time of the COVID pandemic, Nepal and Pakistan have worked together to promote cooperation. I take this opportunity to thank the Government of Pakistan for supporting Nepal during this difficult time.
Our business relations are also expanding and increasing over the years. Although there was a little slack during the COVID, we need to work together to bring them back to track after the COVID pandemic and expand further.
Nepal has always been a hub of mountain and adventure tourism. Our mountains, snow-fed rivers, and topography have always fascinated people across the world.
People’s culture, tourism, and hospitality have made Nepal a center of tourism on the global tourism map. Like other industries, the tourism industry also received a setback during the COVID pandemic. Now the situation is improving.
Tourists are again coming back to Nepal. On this occasion, I would like to invite our Pakistani and other friends to visit Nepal to experience the beauty of the land and to taste Nepali hospitality Nepal has the best hospitality industry in South Asia.
There is a huge prospect of expanding and diversifying Nepal-Pakistan relations for mutual benefit. As Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan, I am fully committed to working closely for expanding and deepening our relations.
Excellences, ladies, and gentlemen,
Let me thank you all again for your presence here today. I express our gratitude to the His Excellency Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, and Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan for their time despite their busy schedule.
I express my congratulations and best wishes to all the Nepali nationals who are present here today.
I thank you very much for your kind attention.
Long live Nepal-Pakistan friendship!
Thank you!
Constitution day of Nepal: An Overview
Every year, Nepal celebrates constitution day or ‘Sambidhan Diwas’ with great fanfare. The day is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of the completion of Nepal’s Constitution and Nepal becoming the Federal Democratic Republic.
The Interim Constitution, which superseded the constitutional monarchy in 2007, took nearly 8 years to update. The rest of the world lauded Nepal’s administration for taking this action.
Nepal celebrated its first constitution day on September 20, 2015. The constitution establishes the essential political ideas, processes, civil rights, regulations, obligations, and responsibilities of the government and the people.
Also Read: First humanitarian assistance flight from Nepal lands in Karachi
Nepal’s 2015 constitution is a momentous event for the country and the people. It formally recognized Nepal as a multicultural, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-religious country.
This day is observed by the whole Nepalese population, including all ethnic groups, government officials, and government bodies. Every year, a military parade takes place in Kathmandu’s Nepal Army Pavilion to mark the day.
Likewise, various programmes are held by numerous government organizations. The President and Prime Minister of the nation both released statements.
Additionally, to celebrate the nation’s Constitution Day Nepalese citizens light candles in the evening. Nepalese diplomats around the world host receptions as a celebration.
Pakistan-Nepal Relations
Nepal and Pakistan are both Himalayan states and are located in South Asia. Between 1962 and 1963, formal diplomatic ties were fully established. Since then, both countries have worked to increase their military, strategic, and trade exchanges.
Additionally, both countries agreed to exchange their “Most Favored Nation” designation, which is crucial for expanding commerce and cooperation.
In 1963, Pakistan committed to constructing an air link, allowing Nepal unfettered economic access, and offering transportation facilities through the port of Chittagong in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
