H.E. Syed Haider Shah, Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal

What was your first impression when you landed here as the Pakistani ambassador?

The first impression was very positive. I found the capital city peaceful and people-friendly. The settling down process was also very smooth. The host government extended every possible assistance in the process. It was a very welcoming and accommodating setting for myself and my family. The feeling of familiarity and being welcomed took the edges off any residual sentiment of being in a new place.

What are the similarities between Nepal and Pakistan? 

Nepal and Pakistan are from the same South Asian region. The hilly areas of Pakistan in the north are not much different from those in Nepal. In fact, we usually compare Kathmandu with our hill stations due to the similarity of climate and living conditions. We are both developing nations in different stages of economic development. Our two countries are also bound together by historical links when our ancestors traversed these regions unhindered for meditation, livelihood or travel. The people of the two countries are hard-working and industrious. We both have a significant diaspora living and working abroad and helping their families back home. And most striking, there is natural affinity and warmth among the people of the two countries for each other.

What are the three milestones you feel you have achieved as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Nepal?

Diplomacy by its very nature is a work in progress. It is a constant process of engagement, interaction, dialogue and understanding, articulation, and communication. Although I have been here for a relatively very short time, thanks to the stellar contribution of our embassy team and our Nepalese friends and colleagues, we have managed to reach out and contribute to deepening the Nepal-Pakistan friendship in whatever way we could. We organized a T-20 Cricket tournament earlier this spring. We have sponsored the launch of a book on the Buddhist heritage of Pakistan with the help of a Nepalese scholar, Mr. Om Charan Amatya, and we have extended medical assistance including for Covid-19. scholarships, and other assistance to those in need. There has been an exchange of mountaineering teams - Nepalese teams set up a world record in January this year by scaling K-2 for the first time in winters, and Pakistan’s youngest mountaineer climbed Mount Everest a few months later. Our defense cooperation has also been going on well.

How are the people-to-people relations between Nepal and Pakistan and how can they be further enhanced? 

The people-to-people relations between the two countries are good. We are trying to deepen them further. We are in the process of enhancing the number of scholarships for Nepalese students for their studies in Pakistan. We are also working on facilitating tourists and other visitors from Nepal to visit Pakistan. We are also exploring ways to further ease connectivity between the two countries. Nonetheless, there remains a great deal of scope for further expanding contacts at the people-to-people level. We hope that once the Covid-19 situation eases a bit, it would allow further increase in two-way travel between our two countries.

What do you like the most about Nepal? 

I like the people of Nepal as well as the landscape. It seems that the peace, serenity, and beauty of the landscape have seeped into and radiated through its people. The tranquility and harmony in which life coexists with nature leave an indelible impression on the mind and soul. That perhaps explains why Nepal continues to rivet the attention of tourists from all across the globe.

Where do you think Nepal as a country should improve?

As a developing country, the challenges faced by Nepal are not dissimilar from those other countries with comparable levels of development face. Climate change and infrastructure development are issues that are, by and large, common to this region. Similarly, socio-economic development remains a priority in the South Asian region. I am sure the leadership in Nepal is up to the task ahead of them and would address the challenges faced by the country in the best possible manner. Pakistan stands ready to continue to assist our Nepalese brothers and sisters in their path to development and prosperity.

Is there anything you have planned but are yet to achieve in Nepal? 

Well, the sky is the limit as far as plans are concerned! We are working with our Nepalese hosts and friends to further deepen and expand our bilateral relations in different fields, including people-to-people contacts, socio-economic, political, and defense relations. We hope to further increase the political level exchanges between the two countries. The covid pandemic has had a slowing effect on bilateral and other contacts worldwide. We hope that as the threat of pandemic recedes further, there would be an uptick in diplomatic activity in all the fields I pointed out.

Personal Message

Nepal conjures feelings of sublimity, peace, and hospitality reinforced by the confluence of nature and civilization. Meandering through its hills, mountains, or landscape, one feels the stillness of time, transporting us to a different era. This natural beauty brimming with a soulful appeal is accentuated by the friendliness and warmth of its people. When we trek through its terrain, we relive the traditions of travelers who were pulled by its magnetic charm. I wish Nepal every success in its developmental journey towards prosperity for all, so that it continues to embrace all visitors with the same radiant and charming smile.

Quick Questions

Favorite Nepali food: Momo 
Favorite place in Nepal: Nagarkot and Pokhara 
Favorite Nepali song: Phul Butte Sari 
Favorite trek in Nepal: Shivapuri trek 
Favorite season in Nepal: Monsoon 
Favorite Nepali festival: Dashain