Pakistan-Nepal relations have evolved in a sustained manner notwithstanding the vicissitudes of times

-Ms. Fouzia Nasereen, Ambassador of Pakistan in Nepal

Let me begin by stating that in the perspective of the 40 years of our relationship, which was established in 1960, I look upon our partnership as mutually re-inforcing. Both Pakistan and Nepal have shared experiences and have enjoyed commonality of interests. The changed scenario of the 21 st century, the dimensions of security include an equal emphasis on human security. Therefore, bilaterally and within the framework of SAARC our common vision should be development with innovative strategies and policies for poverty reduction. I strongly believe that our ties are still as solid and relevant as they were when we started our journey of friendship and partnership four decades ago.

I have quite often reflected on the tangible core of Pakistan-Nepal relationship and the spirit that binds us together. Significantly there are several constraint strands though emphasis on one or the other might have varied depending on what Shakespeare said 'vagaries of time'. Historically diverse contacts existed between the land of Pakistan and Nepal as both these regions were at the crossroads of different civilizations. Lumbini and Taxila or Gandhara Art Civilization is one such link. The Lahorey coined for Nepalese working abroad is another link. The vastness of the Kingdom of Nepal that stretched from Tista in the east to Sutlej in the west provided geographical proximity to the now two relatively distant lands. However, power projection and interplay of various forces and players in the region influenced the mosaic of linkages between the two countries till the process of decolonization dawned on the subcontinent.

It is a matter of great satisfaction that in the last forty years Pakistan-Nepal relations have evolved in a sustained manner notwithstanding the vicissitudes of times. For the sake of brevity I would like to divide these years in distinct periods. The starting point will be the Colombo Plan in 1952 to the early 1970s. The second phase would be from mid 1970s to 1990 and finally the current phase of over a decade.

1: 1952 to 1977: Initial contacts between Pakistan and Nepal began in 1952 within the framework of Colombo Plan. Nepal's membership of the Consultative Committee of the Colombo Plan, which commenced that year, provided an opportunity to the two sides to develop understanding about each other. Thus the thrust of revival of friendship in the post World War II era or the ensuring world order was on development and identity of perceptions on geopolitics and international security. Participation of the two countries in the Bangdung Conference in April 1955 further crystallized their focus. At this conference, Pakistan had strongly supported Nepal's membership of the United Nations. These interactions led to a flurry of bilateral exchanges leading to the formalization of diplomatic relations in 1960. The following decade was characterized by a deep understanding and mutuality of interests.

Between 1962 and 1974 several agreements were signed to provide boost to the common ties. These included Telecommunications Agreement, Cultural Agreement, Civil Aviation Agreement and Trade Agreement. The year 1975 to 1977 can be seen as a slowing down period in bilateral relations due to domestic developments in Pakistan. Situation was also undergoing a change in Nepal's neighborhood with the annexation of Sikkim that sent alarming signals to the leadership in this country.

II: 1977 to 1990: Cold War was at its height in the late 1970s and East-West relations were at their lowest ebb. The then Soviet Union was emboldened by its successes in different regions. Revolution in Iran had obliterated the security paradigm that the Americans had so painstakingly constructed to contain communism. Neutralization of Iran and restoration of pro-Soviet regime in Afghanistan posed a real threat to the free world and all this was happening in the close proximity of Pakistan. Internal political changes in Pakistan kept the nation engaged with what was happening inside the country. Nepal too was affected by regional politics and had to cope with the burden of enhancing its security and safeguarding its identity. Therefore, in this intervening period no substantial bilateral activity was registered though Nepal supported Pakistan's entry in the NAM in 1979.

It was in the 1980s that contacts between Pakistan and Nepal once again picked up. It coincided with the reinvigorated interest of the West, in Asia and a concerted effort to halt the Soviet ingress. The more significant dimension that made the cooperation possible was the political understanding between Pakistan and Nepal. Though the two countries did not share a common border, they were strategically located bordering two important neighbors and were on the same side of the cold war divide. Foreign policy projections were marked by common approaches particularly on Afghanistan and Kampuchea. King Birendra's proposal for Nepal as a Zone of Peace found resonance in Pakistan as we were ourselves struggling with the proposal to have South Asia declared nuclear free zone and for the provision of security guarantees to non-nuclear States.

Geopolitics is an essential variable in moulding security considerations of a nation. Similarly these considerations are guided by geographical location and historical and cultural relationships. 1980s saw a movement in the region albeit week towards the concept of South Asian forum. These dynamics of the region pushed the South Asian nations towards regional integration. Not surprisingly this thinking was rooted in peace and security considerations, in promoting an enabling environment so that resources could be directed towards development and poverty alleviation. His Majesty the late King Birendra's personal commitment to the formation of SAARC together with Bangladesh deserve rich tributes. As many other important initiatives of the late King it would occupy a befitting place in the regional integration perspective. In addition to the leading role played by Nepal in providing enduring roots to the Association, the SAARC Secretariat at Kathmandu is a lasting testimony to Nepal's contribution to the Association.

III. 1990 to date: The close of the decade of 1980s witnessed cataclysmic changes. The end of the cold war and the demise of the socialist block were euphoric for major Western powers. They also allowed catharsis to the pent-up feelings in the former east block countries. The new experience with political freedom was temporarily ecstatic and led to realignments and rediscovery of old identities. However, the enormous burden of rapid transformation to free market economy and expression of free will, dampened the hopes to a certain degree. It not only required huge financial backing from the western sources but also the wherewithal to inculcate the necessary ingredients of the western systems. Experience was mixed and brought disillusionment to some.

The disappearance of the world order structured on the East-West divide and redirection of world attention to Europe and CIS, by and large, left countries like Pakistan and Nepal to readjust and find their place in the new world order on their own. The South Asian conflicts and frictional inter-state relationships had not disappeared with the dismantling of the socialist world. The two countries at the same time had to cope with the internal changes. Therefore, to a large extent both Pakistan and Nepal were immersed in their internal problems and the major pre-occupation with domestic compulsions prevented them at the initial stages, from redefining their relationship with the region. It was also compounded by the frequency with which government changed both in Pakistan and Nepal. Bearing in mind that each country is unique in so far as systems and their adaptability are concerned, both Pakistan and Nepal will have to chart their own courses in their own suitable ways.

However, that should not and will not prevent the two countries from nurturing a relationship that has undergone a rich experience of fruitful mutual cooperation. This is of special significance in the backdrop of the important element of scrupulous adherence to the doctrine of equality of states and non-interference in the domestic affairs by the two countries. Equally important is the fact that at the start of the new millennium almost all the South Asian countries have just started to rediscover each other with a new outlook and a new mindset. I hope this mindset will be a pleasant departure from the past that was characterized by distrust and confrontation. Still there is a long way to go and on this path towards mutual respect and understanding, peace and security Pakistan and Nepal can play important roles. Pakistan's appeal as conveyed by President Musharraf in a recent news conference, is to the moderates to rise to the occasion and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people of this region.

The overview that I have given so far is general in nature. Allow me to briefly touch upon specific areas of the relationship. As far as political aspect is concerned, in addition to what I have already said suffice it to say here that there have been exchange between the two countries at the highest level as well as government, official and people to people levels.

-Technical Assistance: I think the most rewarding facet of our mutual cooperation has been the human resource development. Dating back to the initial days of Colombo Plan, Pakistan has in its modest and humble way shared its educational and other experiences with the people of Nepal through training and other means. Pakistan International Airlines has the singular honor of building human strength and capability of the Royal Nepal Airlines. The training facilities were provided under the Colombo Plan to 100 personnel including pilots, aircraft mechanics and engineers in 1964. Similarly such fields as animal husbandry, agriculture, commerce, natural sciences and other subjects are open to the students of Nepal. In the past we did manage to create a reservoir of these graduates who happily are a part of the backbone of Nepal.

Another notable aspect of our bilateral relations is the Technical Assistance Programme under which each year Pakistan grants a substantial number of scholarships to the Nepalese students. These are in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and engineering. Under another arrangement students are also selected for graduation in the Lahore University of Management Sciences, LUMS. On case-to-case basis some admissions are given through self-finance arrangement. In addition training courses have also been provided in banking sector and forestry. During the last 30 years Pakistan must have trained and provided professional and other education to a fairly large number of Nepalese. Although Pakistan might not qualify for the list of donors, quantitatively and qualitatively and given our limited resources, in my view, people of Pakistan have sacrificed for the welfare of the people of Nepal.

-Economic and commercial relations: Although Trade Agreement was signed between the two countries in 1962, the trade turn over did not reach the real potential. After the creation of Bangladesh, a new Agreement was signed in 1982. The following year in February, the two countries decided to set up a Joint Economic Commission at the ministerial level. So far the Commission has held four sessions identifying possible areas of cooperation in a number of fields. These include education, culture, joint ventures, trade, commerce, science and technology and economic cooperation. Pakistan has also provided credit facility of US$ 1 million in July 1989 for the purchase machinery and equipment and engineering goods. This facility was available for two years and was extended up to June 1996 during the fourth session of JEC in 1995. However, this credit facility lapsed, as it was not availed by Nepal.

There is a vast potential for expansion of relations in the above listed fields. A Memorandum of Understanding signed between State Engineering Corporation of Pakistan and Nepal Industrial Development Corporation spells out the kind of machinery and equipment that can be imported from Pakistan. However, this MoU is still to be implemented. In addition to the services sector, the areas that can be considered for cooperation are construction of small dams and communications, cotton production in Terai area, livestock development, manpower training, watershed management, moisture conservation, tea processing and food processing. The signing of the Avoidance of Double taxation Agreement this year in January would provide the requisite facility for enhancing economic and commercial relations.

Despite the existing goodwill, bilateral trade has remained insignificant roughly to the tune of US$ 3.5 million. Some of the limiting factors are:

-Lack of Transit trade facilities through India as Nepal is a landlocked country; There is no direct shipping between Calcutta and Karachi. The shipment is routed through a third destination. It causes considerable delay; -Air cargo is difficult because of few flights that operate on Kathmandu-Pakistan sector.

-Environment and Wildlife Conservation: Environmental degradation, depletion of natural resources, erosion of habitat and imbalance in Eco-system has been the biggest worry for the preservation of the future of humanity. Therefore in international relations as well as in the context of domestic policy, environment has assumed special significance. Since Pakistan and Nepal share similar Eco-systems, wildlife and habitat cooperation in this field has emerged as a strong possibility. ICIMOD is one such institution, which provides a broad linkage among a number of mountain countries in the region. Both Pakistan and Nepal have benefited from each other's experiences within the framework of ICIMOD.

WWF is another institution that has facilitated interaction among the sister organizations: WWF-Pakistan and WWF-Nepal. Their ongoing collaboration is a source of inspiration for the environmentalists in the two countries. KMTNC and WWF-Pakistan have also interacted though in a limited manner. IUCN is another NGO that has brought Pakistan and Nepal at the same platform as far as conservation is concerned. I think cooperation both at the government and at the people level in the field of environment and nature conservation would grow, auguring well for the future.

In the end let me conclude by expressing conviction about the resilience of Pakistan-Nepal relations. I am also of the firm belief that full potential would be realized in not too distant a future. The relationship has to be mutually reinforcing at the bilateral level backed by a common vision for the South Asian development and prosperity as well as restoration of historical links through the north. Nepal's unique geo-strategic location poses both a challenge and an opportunity. Similarly, Pakistan's geo-strategic location will allow it to act as a gateway between South Asia and West Asia and South Asia and Central Asia. Let us not waste another century. In the fulfillment of the dreams of 1.5 billion people both Pakistan and Nepal could evolve a common perception on furthering the vision for peace in South Asia.

(A presentation made by the Ambassador of Pakistan at the Center for Economic Development and Administration, CEDA, Tribhuvan University, on August 23, 2001: Chief editor).

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