Kathmandu: In a significant move, the major political parties represented in the parliament have reached an agreement to form a high-level commission to probe instances of gold smuggling. During a meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, party representatives agreed to establish the commission next month.

Chief Whips from various political parties, totaling seven, have endorsed the agreement. According to the consensus, the government will create the commission on September 22 as per the Investigation Commission Act, 2026 BS. The commission's mandate will encompass impartially investigating various cases of smuggling, including gold, and submitting a comprehensive report with recommendations. The commission is set to commence its work on the same day it is established.

Notably, the deadlock in parliament, primarily instigated by the main opposition party CPN (UML) regarding the gold smuggling issue, is anticipated to be resolved following this agreement.

It has been emphasized that the commission's work will not interfere with the ongoing investigation by the Nepal Police's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). Additionally, the commission will offer policy reform suggestions to the government aimed at curbing smuggling activities.

As part of the agreement, the CIB will independently investigate the cases and ensure legal actions are taken against individuals implicated in smuggling. The Chief Whips of various parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Janata Samajbadi Party, and Janamat Party, have all signed the agreement.

Top leaders such as Prime Minister Dahal, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli were present during the meeting where the agreement was reached.