Pervasive Corruption

Pokhara is a majestic city of Nepal, known for its mesmerising Fewa Lake, Annapurna mountain range, green hills and friendly residents. But lately, it is on the news for all the wrong reasons. The beautiful valley is riddled with corruption cases involving the newly constructed Pokhara International Airport. 

A major corruption case has been filed by Nepal’s anti-graft body, the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), at the Special Court against one company and 55 individuals, among whom are five former ministers, ten former secretaries and several high-ranking officials at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). It has been flagged as one of the largest corruption cases in the history of Nepal due to the inordinate amount of cash involved in the state procurement process. The corruption charge amounts to Rs. 8.36 billion, the news of which has rocked the entire nation that recently saw Gen Z uprising against the mounting corruption.

On September 8-9, Gen Z youths took to the streets to protest against the rampant corruption, nepotism and social media ban. The protesters were furious with the Nepal government and the systemic corruption and nepotism pervasive among Nepali politicians. The protest turned violent, resulting in deaths, mayhem, anarchy, as well as vandalism, arson and looting. Consequently, the KP Sharma Oli-led government was toppled and an interim government led by  Sushila Karki was established, with a pledge to hold elections in March 2026. 

As the nation mourned the tragedy, Gen Z resolved to uphold the sacrifices of those who were injured and died during the protests. However, this new corruption case has reignited concern. It has put to question the impunity in corruption deeply entrenched within the system. Have Nepali politicians learnt nothing from the corruption cases of the past? While the current Pokhara International Airport’s corruption took place long before the Gen Z protests, the sheer audacity of the individuals involved shows the weak links in Nepali bureaucracy. 

Nepali politicians in power have been using their authority to take bribes, miring knee-deep in corruption for their own benefit. But one can say that things are shifting in Nepal, post Gen Z uprising. Major politicians now clearly know the extent and degree to which Nepali youths harbour wrath against the systemic corruption and nepotism. The anger was palpable in the streets when prominent politicians saw their residences in flames. While the fury has subsided, this news of corruption at the Pokhara International Airport is likely to fan the dimmed embers again.

 As such, those involved in pocketing public money should be held accountable. No one is above the law as it is supreme, exerting equal treatment to all parties, whether in power or not. The Pokhara International Airport was inaugurated in 2023 with much celebration and jubilation among the residents, just as the city was rebounding from the pandemic. 

The locals were hopeful that tourists would pour in record numbers and Pokhara would be highlighted greatly in the global spotlight but now they realise their gullibility in believing the dreams sold by those in power. As this corruption case unfolds in the court of law, it is imperative to establish accountability and punish those involved in the case. Pokhara has to rise above the current circumstances.