KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has appealed to Qatar for the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi, who was kidnapped following the attack on Israel by the rebel group Hamas on October 7 last year.

During the bilateral talks held in Kathmandu on Wednesday with the Emir (King) of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Prime Minister urged serious initiatives to secure the release of individuals like Bipin.

Earlier, in a meeting at Sheetal Niwas on Tuesday, President Ram Chandra Paudel also anticipated Qatar’s effective role in securing Bipin’s release.

Qatar is endeavoring to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.

Despite efforts, Bipin, a Nepalese youth held by Hamas, remained in captivity during the prisoner exchange facilitated by a short-term ceasefire.

Following the President’s lead, Prime Minister Dahal also urged the Qatari Emir to take action for the safe release of Nepali student Bipin, who was in Israel for an academic internship.

“Innocent Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who was in Israel for an academic internship, has been missing since the attack by Hamas on October 7,” Dahal said.

“His condition remains unknown. I urge the Qatari government to expedite his safe release,” a source quoted PM Dahal as saying.

His secretariat stated that he personally raised this issue with the King of Qatar.

Similarly, expressing concern about the deteriorating situation in West Asia, he also expressed a wish for the swift end of the conflict and the restoration of peace.