KATHMANDU: The Professional Alliance for Peace and Democracy (PAPAD) has expressed grave concern over the current administration’s governance style, warning that it is systematically undermining fundamental state values and institutional checks and balances.

In a joint statement, the heads of six major professional bodies condemned the government’s recent actions. The signatories include Dr. Badri Rijal, President of the Nepal Medical Association; Nirmala Sharma, President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists; Prof. Dr. Bijaya Prasad Mishra, President of the Nepal Bar Association; Prof. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Joshi, President of the Nepal Professors’ Association; Laxmi Kishor Subedi, President of the Nepal Teachers’ Federation; and Subash Chandra Baral, President of the Nepal Engineers’ Association.

The alliance emphasized that while the implementation of the constitution, the strengthening of democratic institutions, the rule of law, and the protection of civil liberties are the bedrock of state governance, the current administration’s approach is steadily eroding these principles at an institutional level. The leadership noted that democracy is not merely a system of governance secured by winning an electoral majority, but an order founded on the supremacy of the constitution, the balanced exercise of power, institutional accountability, freedom of expression, transparency, and civil liberties. Consequently, the government has been urged to respect these minimum democratic standards.

PAPAD strongly registered its disagreement with several recent executive actions, pointing directly to the forceful clearing of squatter settlements, activities that restrict citizens’ basic rights, and executive-driven practices that compromise the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. Furthermore, the alliance criticized an ongoing trend to weaken the effective role of parliament, characterizing these moves as an overreach of executive authority.
The joint statement also leveled serious allegations regarding the suppression of free speech and institutional autonomy. The alliance accused the government of attempting to curtail press freedom and the right to information, enforcing economic blockades against media houses, and demonstrating control-oriented behavior toward independent organizations. They also strongly condemned recent interventions in university autonomy and direct assaults on academic freedom.

Beyond civil liberties, the professional alliance voiced strong opposition to the administration’s handling of public welfare. It noted that policy ambiguity and deep apathy toward core sectors like education and healthcare have directly and adversely affected the livelihoods, employment opportunities, business climate, and dignified living of ordinary citizens.

In light of these developments, PAPAD demanded that the government immediately uphold civic supremacy, human rights, international law, and the literal spirit of the constitution. The alliance has called upon all democratic forces, professional organizations, the media sector, the academic community, and civil society to form a united front to safeguard the country’s constitutional and democratic framework.

As an initial step toward collective resistance, the alliance has declared full solidarity with an upcoming protest organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists to counter government attempts to suppress civil liberties and press freedom. The demonstration is scheduled to take place at Maitighar Mandala on June 19 at 4:00 PM, and the alliance has urged widespread public and professional participation.