Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Nepal PM Gets Medical Exemption For Signature Sunglasses
Nepal’s prime minister, Balendra Shah, is famous for wearing dark rectangular sunglasses.
He wears them at public events, campaigns and official photos.
The parliament speaker said the glasses might not be appropriate inside the legislature.
This followed criticism from members of the public.
Shah’s office submitted a report saying there were medical reasons for needing sunglasses.
Officials said he can wear them in parliament when they are needed to protect his eyes from bright light.
Shah is expected to attend a parliamentary session on Wednesday.
The glasses are so closely linked to him that some shops sell similar pairs as “Balen sunglasses.”
Prime Minister Balendra Shah may wear his signature dark sunglasses in Nepal’s parliament for medical reasons.
Parliament Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal had advised Shah not to wear dark glasses in the chamber.
A report submitted to the parliament secretariat cited medical reasons and protection from bright light.
Shah is expected to attend a parliamentary session on Wednesday.
The sunglasses have become part of Shah’s public image, with shops selling similar styles as “Balen sunglasses.”
- Who
- Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Parliament Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal and parliament secretariat officials are involved.
- What
- Shah was permitted to wear his signature sunglasses in parliament when they are medically necessary.
- When
- The speaker’s advice was issued earlier this month, and Shah is expected at a parliamentary session on Wednesday.
- Where
- The issue concerns Nepal’s national legislature.
- Why
- A report submitted to the parliament secretariat cited medical reasons and the need for protection from bright light.
Parliamentary Convention
Medical Need
Wearing dark glasses in the chamber
Parliamentary Convention
Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal advised against the glasses after public criticism that they were inappropriate for the national legislature.
Medical Need
Parliament secretariat officials said Shah may wear them when they are medically necessary, particularly to protect against bright light.
- Prime minister
- Balendra Shah, also known as “Balen”
- Age
- 36
- Speaker’s advice
- Dol Prasad Aryal advised Shah against wearing dark glasses in the chamber earlier this month.
- Medical basis
- A report submitted to the parliament secretariat cited medical reasons for Shah’s need for sunglasses.
- Condition for wearing them
- Officials said Shah may wear the glasses if they are medically necessary in bright light.
- Expected appearance
- Shah is expected to attend a parliamentary session on Wednesday.
- Public image
- The rectangular sunglasses have been associated with Shah since his 2022 campaign to become Kathmandu mayor.
- Commercial trend
- Shops sell similar eyewear as “Balen sunglasses.”
