Pun slams Ministers’ foreign trips, targets Gupta

KATHMANDU: Education Minister Mahabir Pun has strongly criticized foreign visits by ministers, indirectly targeting Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta over his proposed trip to the United States.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Pun, without naming Gupta, mocked such overseas tours and questioned their relevance amid Nepal’s struggling economy.

“I did not go on three foreign trips even after becoming a minister, despite receiving invitations. Now I have received two more, and I won’t go on those either. Until the country’s economy improves, no matter who becomes the prime minister or finance minister, nothing will change—because development requires money. Does the economy improve by traveling abroad?” Pun wrote.

Many social media users interpreted the post as a clear reference to Gupta’s reported US visit.

Pun further emphasized that at a time when the country is facing serious economic challenges, unnecessary foreign travel by ministers is unjustifiable. He reiterated his personal stance that he will not participate in any foreign visits under such circumstances.