Speaker urges govt for necessary move amid India-Pak tension

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 10: Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire has drawn the government's attention to make necessary diplomatic and security arrangements in light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. 

Addressing Friday’s parliamentary session, Speaker Ghimire highlighted the safety of Nepali citizens living in both countries, particularly in India, where thousands of Nepalis are engaged in various professions.

Several lawmakers echoed the Speaker’s concerns, urging the government to stay vigilant and prepare for any fallout from the regional tensions. 

Lawmaker Sher Bahadur Kunwar highlighted the vulnerability of Nepalis working in India, while MP Shishir Khanal called for the prompt rescue of Nepali students studying in Pakistan. MP Bina Jaiswal urged enhanced security at the open Nepal-India border.

The lawmakers also raised a host of other critical issues during zero hour. MP Shanti Shrestha demanded budgetary provisions for persons with disabilities, noting many remain housebound due to a lack of infrastructure despite having skills. MP Shiva Nepali called for timely disaster preparedness ahead of the monsoon season, while MP Shobha Gyawali stressed urgent flood mitigation in Bardiya district, which has suffered from recurring river erosion.

The lawmakers also demanded distribution of better seed and fertiliser, as well as protection from wild animals damaging crops. MP Saraswati Bajim raised concern over wildlife intrusion in farmlands, and MP Surendra Raj Acharya decried fertiliser shortage forcing farmers near the Indian border to resort to informal imports.

Meanwhile, discussions continued on the annual policies and programmes for the fiscal year 2025/26.  Opposition lawmakers criticised the plan for failing to meet public expectations, while ruling party members defended it as forward-looking and people-centric. UML MP Achyut Mainali highlighted the policy’s focus on domestic employment, and MP Jwala Kumari Sah said it aimed to restore public trust and economic dynamism.

However, MP Swarnim Wagle urged stronger attention to Nepal’s border issues with both India and China, while MP Sita Kumari Rana pushed for a child-friendly budget. The lawmakers also demanded better infrastructure, education reforms, and increased healthcare access in rural areas.

MPS from all parties voiced concern over the economy, with some pointing to delays in capital expenditure, lack of transparency, and political wrangling over leadership appointments, particularly at the Nepal Rastra Bank.