Nepal, July 24 -- Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has pledged to end political interference in government appointments, transfers, and promotions, saying officials will be selected solely on merit and performance rather than political connections.

Addressing a gathering of tax officers from across the country at the Inland Revenue Department on Thursday, Wagle said Prime Minister Balendra Shah had made it clear that the government values results over individuals.

According to Wagle, the prime minister instructed him to follow due process and deliver measurable outcomes. "The prime minister's concern is not who gets appointed or retained. What matters is producing results," he said.

Wagle said the long-standing practice of seeking b...