KATHMANDU: Chief of Army Staff Gen Gaurav SJB Rana is leaving for Pakistan on Saturday on a week-long visit at the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart Raheel Sharif. His four-member delegation includes Maj Gen Sundar Pudasaini, Brig Gen Ishwor Hamal, and personal security, the DPR of Nepali Army said. During his visit, Gen Rana is likely to call on Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and will hold meetings with Gen Sharif. Officials said the discussion will focus on cooperation regarding military trainings and peacekeeping. It will be his 10th visit in the last 12 months, during when he has visited nine countries, including the USA, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Kenya and the DR Congo.

Protest called off

RAUTAHAT: A relay hunger strike launched in Chandranigahapur seeking the expansion of government service centres about 17 days ago was called off on Friday. Earlier, protesting the government’s decision to withdraw its decision to set up land revenue and survey service centres, representatives of political parties, civil society, local chapter of chamber of commerce and industry and students of Chandranigahapur had started the relay hunger strike on April 7. Apart from Chandranigahapur, the struggle committee has also sought service centres in Garuda and Gaur.