Pakistan Envoy Completes Lumbini–Bharatpur Visit, Announces Support for Eye Hospital Digitization

Kathmandu — Pakistan’s Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Abrar H. Hashmi, concluded a three-day visit to Lumbini and Bharatpur, reinforcing cultural ties and expanding cooperation in the health sector between the two nations.

During his stop in Lumbini, the Ambassador paid homage at the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha. He also met officials from the Lumbini Development Board and the officiating Mayor, where discussions centered on promoting heritage connections, cultural partnership and strengthening civic relations between Nepal and Pakistan.

The visit to Bharatpur focused on healthcare collaboration. Ambassador Hashmi handed over financial support to the Bharatpur Eye Hospital (BEH) to help the institution transition toward a fully paperless system. The assistance from the people of Pakistan will enable the hospital to introduce an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system and improve both administrative and clinical efficiency.

The Ambassador said Pakistan has maintained a close partnership with BEH since its establishment in 1987 with financial assistance from the BCCI Foundation of Pakistan. In recent years, the Pakistan Embassy has supported the hospital by adding pharmacy facilities, operating theatres, an outreach ambulance service and exchanges in eye-care expertise.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Hashmi emphasized that health cooperation remains a key aspect of Pakistan–Nepal relations, and such initiatives reflect the shared commitment of both countries toward people-centered development.

BEH Management Board Chairman Jayram Shrestha and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pushpa Giri thanked the Government and people of Pakistan for their continued contribution to the modernization of Nepal’s healthcare services.

During his stay, the Embassy hosted a dinner in Bharatpur attended by hospital officials, district authorities, business leaders and Nepali alumni of Pakistani institutions.

Ambassador Hashmi also toured the College of Medical Sciences, Chitwan, where he interacted with faculty members and students involved in medical and TVET programs.