Ms. Rita Dhital, the Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan, has formally invited Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, to the International Vesak Day event scheduled for Friday, 1 May 2026, at Taxila Museum, marking a significant step in bolstering cultural ties between the two nations.
The invitation was extended during a meeting on Wednesday where the Nepalese envoy called on the Federal Minister to discuss expanded bilateral cooperation in culture, heritage, and people-to-people engagement.
During discussions, the Federal Minister reiterated Pakistan”s firm belief in fostering robust people-to-people connections as a cornerstone of diplomatic relations. He underscored the importance of collaboration between cultural institutions, specifically mentioning music, arts, artefacts, and other cultural initiatives.
Mr. Khichi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cultural bonds with Nepal, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for promoting cooperation with friendly countries. He noted the vital role such partnerships play in preserving shared legacy and advancing mutual understanding among nations.
The Minister further highlighted Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage, stating that renewed efforts are underway to showcase Buddhist civilisation as part of a wider policy to promote religious tourism. He mentioned the country”s invaluable Buddhist artefacts, including the renowned fasting Buddha sculptures, and affirmed dedication to their preservation and promotion.
As part of this focus, he extended an invitation to the Nepalese diplomat to visit the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM), an institution under the Ministry renowned for its collection of cultural artefacts, particularly those linked to Buddhist history.
Acknowledging the enduring relationship between Nepal and Pakistan, Ms. Dhital praised its foundation of mutual respect, goodwill, and collaboration. She noted consistent growth in bilateral engagement across trade, education, and public interactions, emphasising the value of exchanges in academia, media, sports, and cultural programmes.
The Ambassador commended Pakistan”s initiatives under the Minister’s leadership in promoting, preserving, and conserving culture, arts, museums, and Buddhist heritage. She recalled key milestones in bilateral cultural understanding, including the Cultural Agreement of May 1970, the ongoing work of the Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association in Kathmandu, and the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding between Nepal Academy and Pakistan Academy of Letters, which facilitated literary translations like “The Voices of Nepali Poets.”
Ms. Dhital also highlighted Nepal’s active involvement in Pakistan’s cultural programmes, citing participation in the Artist Residency Program for South Asian Countries and the World Culture Festival 2025 held in Karachi.
The International Vesak Day celebration at Taxila Museum is being jointly organised by the Embassies of Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The event aims to underscore the significance of Buddhist cultural heritage as a unifying element across South Asia, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and Central Asia.
Venerable monks from Thailand and Sri Lanka are expected to participate in a ceremony at Dharmarajika. Activities at the Taxila campus will encompass the ringing of a peace bell, the release of white pigeons symbolising peace, and the planting of saplings in the garden.
The Punjab Minister for Tourism, Archaeology and Museums, Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb, has accepted the invitation as Guest of Honour for the occasion.
The Federal Minister welcomed the initiative, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for international cultural partnerships that enhance regional harmony and shared heritage.
In a move to further foster cultural exchange, Mr. Khichi extended an invitation for Nepal’s cultural troupes to visit Pakistan and stated that Pakistani troupes would, in turn, visit Nepal.
Parliamentary Secretary Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division, Mr. Asad Rehman Gillani, and Deputy Chief of Mission, Nepal, Mr. Purushottam Dhungel, were also in attendance.