PM Shah heads to Pokhara by road for Mustang visit

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah (Balen) left Kathmandu for Pokhara by road on Friday morning as part of his planned visit to Mustang.

Shah is travelling in his official vehicle and is scheduled to reach Pokhara before continuing his journey to Mustang. Shah is scheduled to arrive in Pokhara today.

Kaski Police spokesperson DSP Birendra Kumar Paswan said neither the Prime Minister’s Office nor the Ministry of Home Affairs had formally informed the police about Shah’s visit.

He said the police had learned about the visit through media reports but had not received any official communication.

Yadu Adhikari, Kaski president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, also said the party had not received any official information regarding the Prime Minister’s visit.

Although reports have suggested that Shah may also travel to Mustang, district police said they had not received any information about a possible visit.

Mustang Police Chief DSP Ramchandra Tiwari said he had not received any information regarding the VVIP visit but added that security arrangements could be made if required.

Despite the lack of formal communication to security agencies, a source confirmed that Shah is scheduled to visit Pokhara on Friday.

According to the source, the Prime Minister is expected to arrive in Pokhara on Friday afternoon and spend the night at a resort in the foothills of Annapurna Rural Municipality in Kaski.

The resort has reportedly been booked for Shah, and sources said he is expected to reach the property at around 3 pm. Located about 4.5 kilometres from Pokhara, the resort offers views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna mountain range.