KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki is preparing to expand the interim cabinet, two weeks after her appointment.
Having already appointed three ministers, Karki is now in active discussions to induct more figures, particularly from outside the traditional political class.
Karki, who rose to power in the wake of the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9, has emphasized forming a non-partisan cabinet. So far, Kulman Ghising (Energy), Om Prakash Aryal (Home and Law), and Rameshwor Khanal (Finance) have been sworn in.
Likewise, among the new names, Mahabir Pun, director of the National Innovation Center, has been proposed as the Minister for Education, Science, and Technology. According to Gen-Z youth leader Anil Baniya, Pun has responded positively to the proposal, indicating his readiness to serve.
Pun reportedly gave his informal consent while he was in Panchthar on a book promotion tour. Speaking at the event, Pun had said he would be willing to take on the role if offered, and sources confirm that he has since maintained that position.
Meanwhile, prominent journalist Jagdish Kharel, currently the news chief at Image Television, is also being considered for a ministerial role. He is likely to be appointed as the Minister for Communications and Information Technology.
In a brief conversation with Khabarhub, Kharel acknowledged that his name had come up in internal discussions. He confirmed receiving a ministerial offer and said he was “ready to cooperate in principle.”
“Friends and sources have mentioned it to me,” he said. “I haven’t received official confirmation yet, but I understand that the Ministry of Communications has been discussed.” Kharel also stated that the proposal came from close aides of the Prime Minister.
According to Anil Baniya, the appointments of Mahabir Pun and Jagdish Kharel are almost finalized, and both may be sworn in within the next day or two. “We are working to bring respected, non-political figures into the government,” he said.
Karki is said to have approved both names after consulting with Gen-Z youth representatives and civil society experts. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing regarding 15 to 20 additional names for potential cabinet roles.
Similarly, famed pilot and actor Captain Vijay Lama is also being considered for the post of Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. However, Lama told Khabarhub that no formal decision has been made and expressed doubts about the feasibility of achieving meaningful results within a six-month term.
Notably, the proposal for Lama’s appointment came not just from the Prime Minister but also from Gen-Z youth and members of the public.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry remains undecided, as two prominent names—Dr. Sanduk Ruit and Dr. Bhagawan Koirala—have both declined offers to take the position.
PM Karki reportedly held one-on-one discussions with both doctors, urging them to accept the health portfolio. However, Dr. Ruit has made it clear that he cannot leave his post at the Tilganga Eye Hospital to take on a government role.
On the other hand, Dr. Koirala, who is leading efforts to establish a children’s hospital with major financial backing from Min Bahadur Gurung of Bhatbhateni Supermarket, is reportedly under pressure.
Following the Gen-Z movement’s targeting of Bhatbhateni stores, Koirala has expressed concern about the optics of accepting a ministerial post.
Sources close to him say that Dr. Koirala believes it would be inappropriate to join the government at a time when one of his key allies has suffered serious damage and reputational harm.
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