Lawmakers Call for Focus on Domestic Challenges Amid Regional Tensions

Members of the House of Representatives have raised serious concerns over pressing domestic issues such as poor infrastructure, weak governance, and economic instability, while also urging the government to remain vigilant in light of rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

During the zero hour, the lawmakers highlighted the slow pace of development projects across the country. Sher Bahadur Kunwar urged the government to expedite the long-delayed Butwal-Narayangadh road project, pointing out the daily inconvenience it causes the public. Bikram Pandey emphasized the need to improve disaster preparedness and enhance the effectiveness of emergency relief operations.

Chanda Karki Bhandari demanded the swift appointment of a new Governor for Nepal Rastra Bank to help stabilize the country’s financial system. She also voiced concerns over poor governance and the demoralization of workers in the productive and service sectors. Rupa Soshi Chaudhary, meanwhile, stressed the importance of fighting corruption and promoting public-private partnerships over full privatization to align with Nepal’s socialist economic vision.

Achyut Prasad Mainali welcomed the government’s newly introduced policies and programs, calling them a positive step toward reform. He encouraged opposition lawmakers to offer constructive, fact-based feedback and called for a unified national vision to drive economic growth and strengthen federal democracy.

Turning to regional issues, lawmakers warned that the growing conflict between India and Pakistan could have serious consequences for Nepal. Sanjay Kumar Gautam urged the government to assess both the short- and long-term impacts of a potential war between the two neighbouring contries, given Nepal’s open border with India and sensitive geopolitical location. He also called for political unity on important national matters.

Dol Prasad Aryal raised concerns about the situation of Nepalis living in India, particularly the difficulties children of Nepali parents face in obtaining citizenship and the challenges around investing in Nepal’s industries.

In a more emotional appeal, Amresh Kumar Singh criticized the government for not reaching out to the family of Sudip Neupane, a Nepali citizen who lost his life in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite the tense regional environment, lawmakers made it clear that Nepal’s internal issues—ranging from infrastructure development to governance and economic planning, need immediate and sustained attention.