Parties agree on strict measures to prevent misuse of diplomatic passports

Kathmandu: A discussion held today among chief whips, whips, and representatives of all parties represented in the House of Representatives, in the presence of Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal, has decided to take strict action to prevent the misuse of diplomatic passports.

The meeting also concluded that the existing laws regarding the recommendation and use of diplomatic passports will be strictly implemented for now, while necessary amendments will be made in the long term.

Speaker Aryal stressed the need for firm action, citing past instances of misuse of diplomatic passports by lawmakers.

Chief Whip of the National Independent Party, Kavindra Burlakoti, stated that passports should be used in accordance with the current legal framework. Nepali Congress lawmaker Yogesh Gauchan Thakali emphasized that attention should be given not only to providing facilities to lawmakers but also to strengthening their capacity.

CPN (UML) lawmaker Guru Prasad Baral said that misuse of passports has tarnished the country’s image and highlighted the need to review its historical background and policy basis. Nepali Communist Party Chief Whip Yubaraj Dulal stressed that the use of diplomatic passports should be tightened, particularly to prevent misuse by individuals participating in high-level delegations.

According to Speaker Aryal’s secretariat, representatives of other parties also expressed the view that long-term conclusions should be reached only after further discussions, consultations, and study of international practices within their respective parties.