KATHMANDU: Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, currently visiting Nepal, has pledged further efforts for the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi, abducted by Hamas militants in Israel last October.

President Ramchandra Poudel urged the Emir during their meeting to support Bipin Joshi’s release.

Nepal had previously appealed to Qatar regarding Joshi’s abduction, considering Qatar’s involvement in mediating a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.

Press President Paudel’s advisor, Kiran Pokharel, stated, “The President’s call for more initiatives towards Bipin’s release has received assurance from the Qatar Emir. Qatar’s past engagement in dialogue with Israel and Hamas for Bipin’s search and release has raised our expectations for more concrete efforts.”

Pokharel added that following the President’s call, the Qatari King has pledged additional support for Bipin’s release.

During the Hamas attack in the Israel-Gaza border area on October 7, 2023, ten Nepali students lost their lives, with four others injured. Bipin was taken under control by Hamas.

His current condition remains unknown.

The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 civilians from various countries, including Israel.