Kathmandu, January 10. In a pointed critique on the eve of National Unity Day, former King Gyanendra Shah of Nepal has accused the country’s political leadership of pursuing an unbalanced foreign policy that threatens national interests. Speaking in a video address to mark the 304th birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal, Gyanendra warned that leaders are failing to grasp the nation’s delicate geopolitical position.
The ex-monarch highlighted how this misstep is eroding trust among friendly nations. ‘In times when unbalanced foreign policy and conduct are gravely harming national interests, the divine teachings and visionary insights of late Prithvi Narayan Shah gain even greater relevance,’ he stated, without specifying the exact imbalances.
Gyanendra urged Nepal to adopt a ‘shield of peace’ for its defense, contrasting it with other nations’ reliance on security alliances, though he left the term’s meaning ambiguous. He expressed deep concern over youth disillusionment and mass exodus, noting that not only human resources but also capital, entrepreneurs, and bold investors are fleeing the country.
‘If this trend isn’t halted immediately, the nation could teeter on the brink of failure, a thought that pains us deeply,’ he remarked. Indirectly referencing the Gen-Z protests that toppled the previous government led by K.P. Sharma Oli last September, he stressed that ignoring youth aspirations breeds rebellion.
Government data reveals 77 deaths and over 84 billion Nepali rupees in property damage from those protests, which paved the way for the current administration under Sushila Karki. Gyanendra reminded leaders of his voluntary relinquishment of power nearly two decades ago, handing over the ‘crown and scepter’—symbols of public trust—for the sake of peace and stability.
Yet, two decades later, persistent crises have shifted concerns from nation-building to the very survival of the nation, he lamented, calling for urgent introspection.
