ISLAMABAD: The inaugural briefing session of the Pakistan-Nepal + Bhutan Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) convened today at the Parliament House in Islamabad. Chaired by MNA Dr. Mehesh Kumar Malani, the meeting marked a significant step in fostering diplomatic ties and cooperation among the three nations.

The session was attended by key members of the PFG, including Mr. Shahzada Muhammad Gushtasap Khan, Mr. Muhammad Usman Badini, Dr. Darshan, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Ms. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Ms. Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, and Ms. Shaista Khan. Discussions were enriched by briefings from the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nepal and the Ambassador of Pakistan to Bhutan, alongside senior representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Commerce.

Key topics included the status of bilateral relations, trade dynamics, and the potential for cooperation in religious tourism, with a focus on Pakistan’s Gandhara and Buddhist heritage sites. Dr. Malani highlighted existing challenges in trade, citing geographical constraints, shipping issues, and the lack of direct air connectivity. He proposed establishing direct inter-parliamentary contacts to enhance cooperation.

Members of the PFG expressed their commitment to bolstering relations with Nepal and Bhutan. They agreed to support Pakistan’s diplomatic missions and to create formal channels with the Parliaments of Nepal and Bhutan. The group emphasized the importance of promoting people-to-people contacts, cultural exchange, and mutual parliamentary collaboration.