CIAA Investigates Defense Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma for Alleged Foreign Permanent Residency Card

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has launched an investigation into Defense Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma over allegations of holding a foreign Permanent Residency (PR) card. High-level sources indicate that Sharma, a senior official in a critical government ministry, is suspected of possessing a US PR card, prompting the CIAA's action.

Sharma admitted to having held a US PR but claimed to have relinquished it, although he has not provided proof. He has been serving as the Defense Secretary since January 17, 2022.

The CIAA's investigation follows its directive to the government to examine whether Members of Parliament (MPs), civil servants, and public office holders possess foreign citizenship or PR status. Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal has been tasked with overseeing this inquiry. The investigation intensified after CIAA Secretary Rameshwar Dangal queried about the directive with Krishna Hari Pushkar, Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office.

This investigation is part of a broader effort by the CIAA to address complaints that many government appointees have acquired foreign PRs. Previous investigations in 2013 led to the resignation of over 60 government employees with DV or PR status. The law prohibits civil servants from obtaining foreign citizenship, DV, or PR, and mandates dismissal for employees found to have applied for such statuses.

The CIAA has urged the government to establish stringent standards and procedures to prevent individuals with foreign citizenship or PR from holding public positions.