Lawmakers urge govt to prioritise security of Nepali population abroad amid India-Pakistan tension

KATHMANDU: Lawmakers have advised the government to remain vigilant regarding the ongoing India-Pakistan tension and its possible repercussions in Nepal. They have also urged the government to prioritise the security of large Nepali population working in India.

Expressing their views during Zero Hour in the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting today, Sher Bahadur Kunwar, Shishir Khanal, Bina Jaisawal, and Saraswoti Bajimaya called on the government to focus on border security, the safety of Nepali citizens in India and Pakistan, and rescue of Nepali students from Pakistan amidst the escalating tension between the two South Asian neighbours.

Shanti Shrestha stressed the need for a dedicated budget to facilitate public movement for people with disabilities, while Shiva Nepali highlighted the importance of timely preparations for potential monsoon hazards.

Shobha Gyawali, Shankar Bhandari, Saraswoti Bajimaya, and Ahamad Farooqi urged the government to prioritise agricultural development by ensuring the smooth supply of seeds, fertilisers, and irrigation, as well as enhancing local production.

Swarnim Wagle called for government intervention to address issues concerning Nepal’s borders with India and China.

Sarita Bhusal advocated for sufficient funding in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget for the upgrading of the Bhutaha-Amabas-Dumkibas road, an alternative route for the Daunne section of the East-West Highway. She highlighted that the project remains incomplete due to budget constraints. Bhusal stated that the road, which connects the hilly areas of Gandaki Province and Lumbini Province, would improve access for rural populations and could also serve as a tourist route.

Sita Kumari Rana pointed out that although Nepal has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, its implementation remains inadequate.

She argued that the State’s investment in children is insufficient to make Nepal a child-friendly country and to fulfil its commitments to the international community. She urged that the upcoming budget allocate more resources towards child welfare.

Speaker urges government to ensure security of Nepali citizens 

Speaker Devraj Ghimire called on the government to make necessary arrangements in response to the developing tensions between India and Pakistan and to remain aware of the security of all Nepalis residing there, as well as the potential challenges that may arise.  

Additionally, Speaker Ghimire read out a letter received from the Prime Minister’s Office concerning the allocation of an additional portfolio.

Discussions on the annual policies and programmes for fiscal year 2025/26 are currently ongoing in the House of Representatives.  

By RSS