Nepali Political Leaders Urge Government to Prioritize Safety of Citizens Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

Kathmandu. Various political parties and their leaders have urged the government to focus on the security of Nepalis residing in the Middle East. The Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), among other political parties, expressed concern over the tense situation developing in the Middle East and called on the government to ensure the safety of Nepalis.

Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa stated on social media, "The latest tense situation developing in the Middle East has worried us. The security of all our Nepali brothers and sisters residing in various countries for employment and other purposes has become sensitive. I request all Nepali sisters and brothers to stay informed about this situation and maintain security vigilance. Please adhere fully to safety regulations and remain in safe locations unless absolutely necessary."

He also urged the Government of Nepal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the respective Nepali Embassies in those countries to continuously monitor the status of Nepalis there and to take immediate and effective steps for their prompt assistance and safe management.

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli also urged the government to take necessary steps for the security of Nepalis in the Middle East. He said, "I call upon Nepali sisters and brothers residing in Middle Eastern countries including the UAE, Israel, and Iran to stay safe and vigilant, and I request the Nepali Embassy there and the Government of Nepal to immediately mobilize for the security of Nepali citizens."

CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' requested the government via social media to take high-level initiatives to protect Nepalis from potential risks arising from the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran and the subsequent developments. Expressing deep concern over the situation, he noted that the security of millions of Nepalis working in the Middle East is our top priority in this situation.

RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane urged the government to keep the security and interests of Nepali citizens working in Gulf countries as the highest priority amidst the recent developments in the Middle East. He pointed out the risk of the security situation becoming complex in Gulf nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, drawing the government's attention to the lives, employment, and security of millions of Nepalis working there. He also urged the government to regularly publish factual information about the status of Nepalis in the concerned countries.

Furthermore, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, outgoing Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and others also expressed concern over the incident, urging those residing there to remain alert to potential risks and calling on the government to take immediate steps for their security. The US and Israel have launched military attacks on Iran. In response, Iran has also attacked US military bases located in the Middle East.