Speaker Devraj Ghimire on Friday drew the government’s attention to the need for ensuring the safety of Nepali nationals residing in India and Pakistan, in view of the escalating tensions between the two nuclear rivals.

At the meeting of the House of Representatives, Speaker Ghimire urged the government to remain alert and make necessary arrangements to resolve any possible difficulties faced by Nepalis in the region.

Lawmakers in the meeting also stressed the need for the government to stay vigilant regarding the potential impact of the India-Pakistan tension on Nepal and to begin appropriate preparations.

In retaliation for the killing of 26 innocent people, including one Nepali national in India’s Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, Indian armed forces on Wednesday night launched several airstrikes on nine “terrorist infrastructures” inside Pakistan.

The Pakistani army also fired missiles in response and vowed to retaliate against the Indian attack.

Nepal has called for de-escalation as a measure towards peace. Amid growing calls to clarify its stand on terrorism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday issued a statement.

“Nepal is deeply concerned about the escalating tension between India and Pakistan, following the terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, India on April 23 in which a Nepali national also had lost his precious life,” it said.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives continued deliberations on the government’s annual policies and programmes for the fiscal year 2025-26.