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Pakistan on Tuesday extended greetings to Bhutan on the occasion of its National Day, a routine diplomatic message that drew attention for an unexpected visual detail.
The congratulatory message, shared by Pakistan’s Foreign Office on X, was accompanied by a photograph of a dzong, a traditional Bhutanese fortress, that was recently renovated with financial assistance from India.
Diplomatic observers in South Asia were quick to spot the detail.
In its message, Pakistan conveyed best wishes to the Bhutanese leadership and people, reaffirming hopes for peace and prosperity. The day celebrates the coronation of Bhutan’s king and is a major moment in the Himalayan nation’s year.
What stood out, however, was the choice of imagery.
The dzong featured in the post is part of a broader heritage conservation effort supported by Indian funding, reflecting New Delhi’s long-standing development partnership with Bhutan. India has played a central role in restoring several historic dzongs and cultural sites across the country, often positioning these projects as symbols of close bilateral ties.
The use of that particular image of noteworthy, given the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Bhutan and Pakistan, and the historically tense relationship between India and Pakistan.
There was no immediate reaction from Bhutan, which traditionally maintains a low-key and cautious approach to external diplomacy. India, too, did not officially comment on Pakistan’s post.
Bhutan shares a uniquely close relationship with India, spanning defence, economic cooperation and infrastructure development. India’s help in renovating Bhutan’s dzongs is often seen as a sign of their strong ties.
The congratulatory message, shared by Pakistan’s Foreign Office on X, was accompanied by a photograph of a dzong, a traditional Bhutanese fortress, that was recently renovated with financial assistance from India.
Diplomatic observers in South Asia were quick to spot the detail.
In its message, Pakistan conveyed best wishes to the Bhutanese leadership and people, reaffirming hopes for peace and prosperity. The day celebrates the coronation of Bhutan’s king and is a major moment in the Himalayan nation’s year.
On the occasion of National Day of the Kingdom of #Bhutan, we extend our heartiest felicitations to its people and Government. @PakinBangladesh @FMBhutan
🇵🇰🤝🇧🇹 pic.twitter.com/GTsITx6UZr
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) December 17, 2025
What stood out, however, was the choice of imagery.
The dzong featured in the post is part of a broader heritage conservation effort supported by Indian funding, reflecting New Delhi’s long-standing development partnership with Bhutan. India has played a central role in restoring several historic dzongs and cultural sites across the country, often positioning these projects as symbols of close bilateral ties.
The use of that particular image of noteworthy, given the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Bhutan and Pakistan, and the historically tense relationship between India and Pakistan.
There was no immediate reaction from Bhutan, which traditionally maintains a low-key and cautious approach to external diplomacy. India, too, did not officially comment on Pakistan’s post.
Bhutan shares a uniquely close relationship with India, spanning defence, economic cooperation and infrastructure development. India’s help in renovating Bhutan’s dzongs is often seen as a sign of their strong ties.
