Kathmandu: The Nepal government has put brakes on the plans to host the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) here next month after a parliamentary panel opposed it. The International Relations Committee of Parliament on Tuesday directed the government to immediately halt all work related to organising the 20th edition of the event, according to reports in the local media.

The decision apparently stems from the criticism by Nepalese cinema workers and also a section of the political leaders belonging to ruling Nepal Communist Party, who were against the idea of spending millions of rupees in hosting a glitzy foreign film event. The show would have given a boost to Nepal's tourism industry as the country is launching the Visit Nepal Year 2020 with the aim to attract two million tourists next year. The government withdrew after a directive from a House committee, Nepal Tourism Board's Chief Executive Officer Deepak Raj Joshi informed the media. "It won't be held this year. If we are competent enough in terms of infrastructure, it will be possible some time in the future," Joshi said.