Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka has called off his planned trip to the United Arab Emirates, originally scheduled for November 13 - 17. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence were set to lead the Nepali delegation to the 18th Dubai Airshow, 2023, upon the invitation of UAE Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Council of Ministers, in a meeting on November 2, had approved the DPM's visit.

However, a press statement from the Defence Ministry's Joint Secretary and Spokesperson, Prakash Paudel, announced the cancellation of the trip in light of the recent earthquake in Jajarkot and Rukum West. DPM Khadka is actively involved in post-quake rescue and relief efforts.

"The earthquake caused significant casualties and property loss in Jajarkot and Rukum West, and the Deputy Prime Minister remains engaged in the rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts since the disaster struck. The trip to the UAE was canceled with a conclusion that it was not appropriate to set out for the foreign visit amidst the adverse situation at home," stated the Ministry in its press release.

The earthquake, which occurred on November 3, measured 6.4 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter at Ramidanda in Jajarkot. The disaster has resulted in over 150 casualties and more than 300 injuries, including casualties in the neighboring Rukum West.