Foreign Minister Khanal declares land in three districts, investments from banks to hydropower

KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has declared a diverse portfolio of assets, including landholdings across multiple districts, gold and silver, business investments, and bank savings, according to property details made public on Sunday.

As per the disclosure released by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Khanal owns 22 tola of gold and 25 tola of silver, along with Rs 1 million in cash.

In terms of immovable property, he owns a house built on 6 annas of land in Tokha-10, Kathmandu. He also holds 15 ropanis of ancestral land in Bhanu, Tanahun, 12 ropanis in Devchuli, Nawalpur, and 2 kaththa of land in Nepalgunj.

Khanal has investments in multiple businesses. He holds a 33 percent stake in Pick and Drop Nepal, 100 percent ownership in Rigpa International, and 16 percent in Taja Agro Farm. Additionally, he has invested in companies such as BPW Laghubitta, Om Meghashree Pharmaceuticals, and Global IME Bank, along with various hydropower and public companies.

Regarding vehicles, the minister uses a car purchased for around Rs 4 million. The disclosure also shows an outstanding loan of Rs 7.5 million.

The asset declaration is part of the government’s requirement for ministers to publicly disclose their property holdings.