Nepal–Pakistan relations refer to the bilateral relations between Nepal and Pakistan, both Himalayan states located on the Indian subcontinent. After the Partition of British India in August 1947, Nepal moved to establish diplomatic relations with the Dominion of India, but did not do so with the Dominion of Pakistan. Official diplomatic ties did not exist between the two states until initial steps were taken on 29 March 1960; these relations were then fully established between 1962 and 1963. Both nations have since sought to expand their bilateral trade, strategic and military cooperation. In 1972, following Pakistan's defeat in the Bangladesh Liberation War and the secession of East Pakistan as the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Nepal recognized the latter's independence. Pakistan severed ties with Nepal shortly afterwards, but these were later re-established.
History
Nepal established diplomatic relations with India after the latter's independence in 1947, but did not do so with Pakistan. In 1950, Nepal signed a Treaty of Peace and Friendship with India, creating an extensive relationship of economic, strategic and defence cooperation. Nepal thus remained aloof from Pakistan, which was at conflict with India. However, Nepal's resentment of Indian influence perceived to be excessive prompted the Nepalese government to develop relations with the People's Republic of China and Pakistan. Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Pakistan were established on 20 March 1960. After the establishment of diplomatic relations, the bonds of friendship and cordiality between these two countries, propelled by understanding and cooperation, have strengthened. The state of bilateral relations at present is based on goodwill, mutual cooperation and friendship. Nepal established a residential Nepalese embassy in Pakistan in 1962 and honorary Nepalese consulate general in Karachi in 1975.
Diplomatic relations
Nepal and Pakistan signed a protocol for establishing diplomatic relations in 1962. They exchanged ambassadors and set up embassies in 1963, when Ayub Khan, the President of Pakistan made a special visit to Nepal. Both nations also signed agreements to reciprocate the "Most Favored Nation" status of importance for developing trade and cooperation. In 1963, Pakistan agreed to provide Nepal with free trade access and transport facilities through the port of Chittagong in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and established an air link. This arrangement reduced Nepal's dependence on India for trading privileges. Although Nepal officially maintained neutrality during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, it was one of the first to recognise the independence of Bangladesh. As a retaliation, Islamabad severed ties with Kathmandu two days later.
Pakistan's support for the democratic process in Nepal
Politically, Nepal and Pakistan have remained good friends over the decades. Pakistan has extended its support for the democratic process in Nepal, after the successful People's Movement-II. Pakistan welcomed the restoration of Nepal's parliament following the popular movement and hoped that the breakthrough would usher in an era of durable peace and prosperity in Nepal. Pakistan has been reiterating its support for Nepal's sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful development.
SAARC Summit
The 19th SAARC summit was a scheduled diplomatic conference, which was originally planned to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan on 15–16 November 2016. Following the rising diplomatic tensions after the Uri terrorist attack, India announced its boycott of the summit, alleging Pakistan's involvement in the attack.
Nepal, the current chair of SAARC, urged that "a conducive environment be created soon to ensure the participation of all member states in the 19th SAARC summit in line with the spirit of the SAARC charter".
Whilst Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba underscored his country's commitment to make SAARC a constructive forum for the region and to support Pakistan for the holding of the next SAARC Summit in Islamabad.