Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra 'Balen' Shah will don dark sunglasses during his parliamentary appearance on August 26. The controversial move is a result of a recent medical diagnosis that prescribed protective eyewear for the PM, who has been experiencing light sensitivity and dry eyes. The recommendation came from ophthalmologist Associate Professor Lieutenant Colonel Dr Sachit Dhakal after Shah's check-up at the Birendra Military Hospital in Chhauni. Despite a Parliamentary rule against dark glasses, the Prime Minister's Office has provided a medical report and doctors' recommendations to the Federal Parliament Secretariat. This comes just a day before Shah faces direct questioning from lawmakers. The use of sunglasses is part of Shah's distinctive persona, a rapper-turned-politician who heads a majority government in Nepal. Critics view the sunglasses as a symbol of Shah's arrogance, while supporters see it as a mark of his defiance. Balen Shah has been facing criticism for his confrontational attitude and centralization of power. The PM's refusal to remove the shades despite providing a medical certificate is another instance of his defiant streak, stirring controversy in the political realm. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal had previously warned against wearing dark sunglasses during Parliament proceedings, except for medical reasons.