Interaction Program of Parliamentary Hearing Committee with former Ambassadors

The Parliamentary Hearing Committee (PHC) of Nepal, in coordination with the Ambassadors Club, organized a consultative discussion on July 6 to review and strengthen Nepal’s parliamentary hearing process. Chaired by PHC Chair Ishwari Devi Neupane, the program brought together former ambassadors, ministers, parliamentarians, and senior diplomats to reflect on existing practices and identify areas for improvement.

The Parliamentary Hearing Committee (PHC) of Nepal, in coordination with the Ambassadors Club, organized a discussion program on July 6 bringing together former ambassadors to review and strengthen the country’s parliamentary hearing process. The program was chaired by PHC Chair Ishwari Devi Neupane and focused on enhancing the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of ambassadorial appointments.

Former ambassadors Madhu Raman Acharya and Yuba Nath Lamsal presented key papers outlining critical gaps in the existing hearing mechanism. They emphasized the need for introducing mid-term performance evaluations of ambassadors and the formation of expert advisory teams to support the Parliamentary Hearing Committee in conducting more informed and objective assessments. According to them, such measures would help ensure sustained oversight and align diplomatic appointments more closely with national priorities.

There was active participation from former ministers, parliamentarians, and senior diplomats, who reflected on past shortcomings in the parliamentary hearing process. Speakers noted that weaknesses in vetting and follow-up mechanisms have, at times, limited Nepal’s diplomatic effectiveness. They stressed that lessons from previous experiences should guide reforms aimed at strengthening institutional credibility and diplomatic performance.

Participants collectively underlined that a more rigorous, transparent, and knowledge-driven hearing system is essential in today’s increasingly complex international environment. Strengthening parliamentary oversight, they argued, would not only enhance accountability but also contribute to advancing Nepal’s national interests through more effective and professional diplomatic representation.

1.      Ishwari Devi Neupane   (President of the PHC)

2.       Kali Prasad Pokharel  (Former Amb.)

3.      Yadunath Lamsal

4.      Madhu Raman Acharya

5.      Dr. Shambhu Ram Shimkhada

6.      Madam Kumar Bhattrai

7.      Mohan Krishna Shresha

8.      Dinesh Bhattarai

9.      Mahendra Prasad Singh Rajput

10.   Madhuban Paudel

11.   Bhagirath Basnet

12.   Pashupati Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana

13.   Padma Prasad Pandeya