“Pakistan must stop promoting terrorism and interference in the internal affairs of its neighbours for the SAARC process to be revived”, a source here said when asked for reaction to Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s visit to Kathmanduduring which he sought the Nepalese leadership’s support in reinvigorating the grouping.
In a speech during his visit to the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu to plant a tree, the prime minister emphasized that SAARC needed to work towards achieving economic, cultural and social growth of the region.
He said that SAARC had huge potential for strengthening the economies of the member countries and to promote collaboration in various areas of mutual significance.
Some experts said a stand-alone bilateral visit by a Pakistani Prime Minister, a rare occurrence, reinforces the point that Nepal is looking for new partners, and it is expected that Islamabad would show greater interest in the countries in the region where China is expanding the footprints. As for Saarc, it is likely to remain dead in the water until Pakistan proves it no longer uses terror as a state policy.
Expressing his country’s full commitment to the Saarc Charter, he said peace, security and mutual friendship are essential for prosperity of South Asia.
On Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, Abbasi said the project was not confined to gas supply but was a flagship venture that included a road network, railway lines and fibre optic.
He said it was heartening that the democratic process in Nepal was flourishing and emphasised that political stability was a key to economic development. He said as host of the next Saarc summit, Pakistan looked forward to convening the summit at an early date and assured that the country would play a positive role in strengthening regional cooperation. He said the parliament in Pakistan was the second one in the country’s history that was going to complete its five-year term.
Both leaders discussed the issue of Kashmir and also shared views on progress of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi mentioned that Pakistan had successfully smashed out terrorism where other countries failed to do so, referring to Afghanistan. He also announced that seats for medical education being allocated for Nepal by the Pakistan Government would be increased. He stressed enhancing trade and cooperation on tourism between the two countries and the need to energize Pakistan-Nepal Business Council. Khadga Prasad Oli informed Abbasi that Nepal’s elections were held in three tiers under the 2015 Constitution.
India kept a close watch on the Pakistan PM’s visit to Nepal since he was the first top foreign dignitary to visit the Himalayan nation following the swearing-in of the new government. The prime minister also admired the resilience of the Nepalese people who have suffered floods and a bad natural disaster.