Kathmandu, March 17 -- Prime Minister Sushila Karki has come under scrutiny over the appointment of her chief personal secretary, Adarsha Shrestha, as chairperson of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) on Sunday, with critics questioning both his qualifications and past record.

Karki, who assumed office with a mandate to hold elections following the Gen Z-led movement, had earlier retained Shrestha at the Supreme Court during her tenure as chief justice and later appointed him as her personal secretary after becoming prime minister. The Cabinet's decision to elevate him to the NTNC has drawn criticism, particularly as her tenure nears its end.

Shrestha's past at the apex court has resurfaced in public debate. Initially app...