KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Shishir Khanal has urged the government to take immediate steps to rescue Nepali students currently studying in Pakistan who have requested evacuation.
Speaking at the House of Representatives on Friday, Khanal stated, “Eighty students studying in Pakistan have requested rescue. Immediate action should be taken to ensure their safety and security.”
Condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, Khanal also emphasized Nepal’s need to be concerned about the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, especially in its capacity as Chairperson of SAARC.
“There is growing tension between India and Pakistan,” he said. “Nepal, not only as a neighboring country but also as the SAARC Chair, must be naturally concerned about regional peace and stability.”
Khanal welcomed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement issued on Thursday, which clearly condemned terrorism. However, he stressed the need for Nepal to prepare for potential consequences if conflict erupts between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
“While I welcome the Ministry’s delayed but clear stance against terrorism, I also call for a comprehensive plan to assess the potential impact of a war between India and Pakistan on Nepal’s security, economy, supply systems, and the safety of Nepalis living in western India and Pakistan,” he added.
He further demanded a formal ruling from the Speaker to ensure the government provides updates to Parliament about its preparedness. “I urge that Parliament be formally informed of the government’s plans and assessments regarding this situation,” he said.
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