ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have congratulated Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) of Nepal and its leaders -- Balendra Shah and Rabi Lamichhane -- on their historic victory in the 2026 elections.
President Zardari said the active participation of young people in the electoral process was highly encouraging and reflected a broader regional aspiration for accountable governance and reform. He noted that the emergence of youth-driven leadership sends a positive signal across South Asia and beyond.
The president also recalled that Pakistan takes pride in the legacy of Benazir Bhutto, who became the youngest prime minister of Pakistan, and described the emergence of a young prime minister in Nepal as a welcome development for the region.
Recalling the warm and longstanding ties between Pakistan and Nepal since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960, Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further deepen bilateral cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, goodwill and shared interests. He also conveyed his best wishes to Nepal’s new leadership for successfully advancing its reform agenda and the country’s progress.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt felicitations to Rabi Lamichhane and Balendra Shah on their party’s remarkable electoral victory. He said the strong mandate reflected the trust of the Nepali people in a new and dynamic leadership.
In a post on his X account, the prime minister said Pakistan looked forward to working closely with Nepal’s newly elected government to further strengthen the historic friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
