Kathmandu, March 14 -- For months, opposition lawmakers have been critical of Rishikesh Pokharel, chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the lower house, for his alleged reluctance to call the parliamentary panel's meeting.

Not only have they publicly criticised Pokharel, they also asked for his resignation from the position. He faces allegations that under him, the PAC, the most important parliamentary committee to hold the government accountable, has become useless and is working at the government's behest.

While other House committees hold regular meetings whether or not Parliament is in session, the PAC seldom meets. Its last meeting was held on February 18 to discuss the unsettled accounts pointed in the auditor gene...