Science Minister Mahabir Pun Apologizes After Traffic Fine Controversy, Vows No Media Interviews for a Year

Nepal's Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation Mahabir Pun has issued a public apology and withdrawn his controversial remarks suggesting a Rs 50,000 traffic fine for rule violators, following intense backlash over a tragic incident involving a Pathao rider in Kathmandu who attempted self-immolation due to financial distress from penalties .

Pun, who was appointed minister on June 9, 2026, under Prime Minister Balen Shah's government, clarified that he only emphasized the need for appropriate fines to ensure driver discipline, noting that the Rs 50,000 figure was raised by others during the discussion . However, his initial support for the strict penalty sparked outrage, especially after the rider's desperate act highlighted the human cost of aggressive enforcement without economic consideration .

In a direct response to the public outcry, Pun posted on social media that he retracts his statement and apologized for the confusion it caused . He further announced a self-imposed ban on media interviews for the next one year, signaling a pause in his public commentary to reflect on the situation .

While Pun is widely recognized for his Nepal Wireless Networking Project and his work connecting remote Himalayan areas, this incident has drawn sharp criticism regarding his approach to policy communication . Some observers, including politician Harka Sampang, used sarcasm to question whether the minister truly understood the gravity of the issue, suggesting his remarks lacked empathy for struggling citizens .

Pun has also argued that high fines alone cannot curb violations and that the government should focus on improving road infrastructure instead, a point he illustrated with a sarcastic video showing the poor condition of Nepal's dusty, rocky roads .