KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has launched a probe against Defense Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma over allegations of holding a foreign Permanent Residency (PR) card. Sources indicate that Sharma, a high-ranking official in a sensitive government ministry, is suspected of possessing a US PR, prompting the CIAA's investigation. This initiative follows the CIAA's directive to the government to investigate whether MPs, civil servants, and public office holders hold foreign citizenship or PR.

Sharma admitted to having held a US PR but claimed to have relinquished it. However, he declined to provide evidence. He has served as Defense Secretary since January 17, 2022, remaining in the position while others have been transferred. The CIAA instructed Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal to investigate the foreign citizenship and PR status of individuals holding public positions, following up on a letter sent to the Prime Minister's Office.

This move comes after a previous investigation in 2013 into the PR status of government secretaries, joint secretaries, and officers. Recent complaints prompted the CIAA to act, with some government appointees found to possess foreign PRs. The CIAA aims to gather details and request information from respective countries regarding suspected individuals, urging the government to establish and enforce standards to prevent those with foreign citizenship or PR from holding public positions. Individuals proposing appointments must submit self-declarations regarding their foreign citizenship or PR status.