At precisely 11 o’clock in the morning, Sushila Karki officially stepped into her new role as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister, assuming charge from the building of the Home Ministry, which has temporarily been designated as the office of the Prime Minister. Her arrival at Singha Durbar marked the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s political history, one that came on the heels of weeks of turbulence, violent protests, and widespread civil unrest. Despite the upheaval, Nepal is gradually inching back to a sense of normalcy. Borders that were previously sealed are now reopening, and although larger vehicles remain restricted due to extensive fire damage at key storage facilities, smaller commuters are slowly returning to routine movement by presenting identity cards at checkpoints. The tentative resumption of daily life is being seen as a hopeful signal that stability may soon return to the embattled nation.
After officially taking charge, Prime Minister Karki immediately convened a high-level meeting with the Chief Secretary and secretaries of all ministries. This meeting was her first opportunity to assess the situation and potentially issue directives related to the reinstatement of civil services, many of which had been disrupted during the protests. Parallel to these administrative discussions, consultations about the expansion of her interim cabinet were also underway, with appointments expected in the coming days. The swiftness with which Karki has begun her duties demonstrates her intent to provide quick and effective governance during her limited tenure.
In her first national address after assuming office, Karki announced that a full judicial inquiry would be carried out into the tragic events of September 9, which saw incidents of arson, killings, violent clashes, and widespread looting in Kathmandu and other regions. She alleged that these destructive acts, particularly the burning of homes and the targeting of private properties, were not spontaneous expressions of youth anger but part of a deeper and more organized conspiracy. Stressing that lawlessness could never be justified, she reassured the public that several groups behind the coordinated attacks had already been identified and would face legal action.
Karki also highlighted the devastating consequences of these acts of violence on daily life and the economy. Shops, hotels, factories, and even small businesses were either destroyed or severely damaged, pushing an already fragile economy further into crisis. However, she balanced her criticism with words of encouragement, praising both ordinary citizens and the industrial sector for their resilience during the worst days of turmoil. According to her, the courage and determination of the people of Nepal prove that the nation is capable of rising collectively to overcome shocks and rebuild stronger.
Her appointment as the first woman Prime Minister in Nepal’s history comes against the backdrop of an unprecedented Gen Z-led uprising that forced the resignation of KP Sharma Oli’s government. The youth-driven movement, fueled by grievances over corruption and inequality, escalated into violent confrontations with police, claiming at least 61 lives. Six additional bodies were tragically recovered from the Bhatbhateni Super Store in Kathmandu just days after the protests, underscoring the depth of the crisis.
The political turmoil culminated in President Ram Chandra Paudel’s decision on September 12 to dissolve Parliament, paving the way for fresh parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. This move has drawn strong criticism from major political forces within the country. The Nepali Congress condemned the dissolution as blatantly unconstitutional, while the CPN-UML voiced concern over the decision, citing contradictions with Nepal’s past precedents. Similarly, the CPN (Maoist Centre) and the Nepal Bar Association (NBA) joined the chorus of dissent, warning that the dissolution undermined the constitution, eroded public trust, and weakened hard-earned democratic progress.
Despite these domestic objections, Karki’s elevation has been met with support from international observers. The US ambassador to Nepal welcomed her leadership, crediting it with helping restore calm and praising her as a stabilizing force during a volatile period. The envoy also acknowledged the efforts of President Paudel, youth leaders, and the Nepali Army under General Ashok Raj Sigdel, all of whom played significant roles in facilitating a peaceful transition to interim governance. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi too congratulated Karki, calling her appointment a shining example of women’s empowerment in South Asia.
As Nepal cautiously reopens borders and life begins to return to its streets, the challenges ahead remain daunting. Prime Minister Karki now shoulders the dual responsibility of ensuring immediate security and administrative stability while also laying the groundwork for the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 2026. Balancing civil administration, addressing political opposition, and guiding the nation toward a peaceful democratic transition will define her brief yet pivotal tenure as interim Prime Minister.
