- Nepal’s Parliamentary Hearing Committee approved 10 ambassadorial nominees, rejected those for Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, and deferred a decision on the Japan nominee.
- Giribahadur Sunar and Chudamani Kharel were rejected following allegations of financial misconduct, harassment, and conflicts of interest during the hearing process.
- The committee postponed Jigyan Kumar Thapa’s nomination for Japan to verify whether his Japanese permanent residency status affects his legal eligibility for the post.
- Approved diplomats for major nations including India, China, and the United States will now proceed to represent Nepal’s interests and support citizens abroad.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Nepal’s Parliamentary Hearing Committee has approved 10 of the government’s 13 ambassadorial nominees, rejected two and deferred a decision on the nominee for Japan.
The committee rejected Giribahadur Sunar, nominated for Saudi Arabia, and Chudamani Kharel, nominated for Malaysia. It deferred a decision on Jigyan Kumar Thapa, the nominee for Japan, pending additional information about his permanent residency status.
The committee unanimously approved Dr. Nischal Nath Pandey for India, Kalyan Raj Sharma for China, Chiran Jung Thapa for the United States, Gaurav Shamsher Rana for the United Kingdom, Saru Joshi for Germany, Suresh Kumar Karn for Israel, Padmakshi Rana for Oman, Sangam Shrestha for South Korea, Prapti Sherchan for Spain and Dr. Manchala Jha for Sri Lanka.
Sunar’s nomination rejected after complaints
Sunar’s nomination came under scrutiny over allegations of personal misconduct, deportation from Germany and financial dealings.
During the hearing, a woman accused him of harassment and threats after their relationship ended, including allegedly pressuring her to commit suicide. She said the matter had been taken to the police for mediation but that the alleged mistreatment continued.
Questions were also raised over claims that German authorities had detained Sunar, handcuffed him and sent him back to Nepal. The committee sought information from the relevant authorities to examine the allegations.
A separate complaint accused Sunar of receiving Rs 3.3 million in connection with the promotion of a deputy inspector general of Nepal Police, allegedly in collaboration with Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Khagendra Sunar.
The complaint alleged that Khagendra Sunar collected money from various individuals while Giribahadur Sunar managed the transactions. Questions were also raised about Sunar’s political connections and alleged efforts to secure his appointment.
Sunar disputed the allegations and called for evidence to support them. The claims raised during the hearing have not been established as proven criminal offences.
The committee rejected his nomination following its review of the concerns raised during the hearing.
Kharel’s nomination also rejected
Kharel, nominated for Malaysia, faced questions over alleged financial irregularities, conflicts of interest and claims that he had taken money by promising to arrange grants for local governments.
Complaints also raised concerns about his alleged dealings with recruitment agencies and land transactions.
Kharel denied wrongdoing and challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence.
Malaysia is a major destination for Nepali migrant workers, making the ambassadorial post important for consular services and the protection of workers’ rights. Kharel had proposed improving services for migrant workers, promoting the free visa, free ticket policy and making passport services more accessible.
The committee nevertheless rejected his nomination. The allegations raised during the hearing should not be treated as established findings of criminal wrongdoing.
Decision on Japan nominee pending
The committee deferred a decision on Thapa’s nomination after questions were raised about his permanent residency in Japan and whether it could affect his eligibility for the post.
Thapa said during the hearing that he had surrendered his Japanese permanent residency on March 25, 2026. He denied having personal financial interests or outstanding obligations in Japan. His wife and children reportedly continue to hold Japanese permanent residency.
The committee sought further information to determine whether Thapa met Nepal’s requirements for ambassadorial appointments. Committee Chair Bodh Narayan Shrestha said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had informed the panel that the required details had not yet arrived from Japan. A decision would be made after the information was received, he said.
Thapa has worked at the Kanagawa International Foundation since 2009, focusing on international cooperation, public policy and multicultural affairs.
The committee has not made a final decision on his nomination. His reported residency status and the eligibility requirements remain separate questions that must be assessed against the applicable rules.
Vacancies leave further decisions to government
The committee’s decisions leave the ambassadorial posts in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia without approved nominees, while the appointment to Japan remains unresolved.
The government will need to decide how to fill the two rejected positions and complete the review of Thapa’s nomination.
Nepal’s ambassadors play an important role in managing relations with host countries, promoting trade and investment, and assisting Nepali citizens abroad. Missions in countries with large Nepali migrant-worker populations also handle labour disputes, emergency assistance and consular services.
Nepal’s ambassadorial appointments have often faced criticism over political favouritism, personal connections and a lack of transparency in the selection process. The latest parliamentary scrutiny highlights the need to base appointments on merit, professional competence, integrity and diplomatic experience. Ensuring that ambassadors are qualified, accountable and committed to national interests is essential to strengthening Nepal’s foreign relations, protecting Nepali citizens abroad and restoring public confidence in the appointment process.
