• Source:JND
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Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki formally took charge as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister on Sunday, becoming the first woman to lead the country. Her appointment comes after a week of violent Gen Z-led protests that forced the resignation of KP Sharma Oli and the dissolution of Parliament.

One of Karki’s first decisions was to extend immediate relief to victims of the demonstrations. Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal confirmed that those killed during the protests will be officially recognised as martyrs, with their families receiving Rs 1 million each. According to The Kathmandu Post, the government has also ensured free medical treatment for 134 injured protesters and 57 injured police personnel. Ministries have been directed to prepare comprehensive reports on damages sustained during the protests, The Himalayan Times reported.

The Gen Z demonstrations, sparked by the government’s social media ban, soon escalated into a wider revolt against corruption, unemployment, and inequality. At least 51 people were killed and over 1,300 were injured during the unrest.

What Sushila Karki Told the Nation?

Soon after assuming office, Karki addressed the country and laid out her government’s priorities:

• Those who lost their lives in the Gen Z Revolution will be honoured as martyrs.

• Families of the victims will receive Rs 10 lakh each, and the injured will be assisted.

• Expressed grief over the loss of young students.

• Assured the public that her administration was formed only to stabilise the nation during a difficult transition.

• Stressed that her government would remain in power for no more than six months and would hand over responsibility to a newly elected parliament.

Karki also made it clear that while acts of vandalism during the protests would be investigated, peaceful protesters would be respected. She urged all sections of society to work together in rebuilding the country and said her government would not succeed without cooperation.

Transitional Government And Elections

Nepal’s Parliament was dissolved on Friday, hours after Karki’s swearing-in, and fresh elections were scheduled for March 5, 2026. President Ram Chandra Paudel, in a national address on Saturday, appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring the successful conduct of the polls. His remarks came amid criticism from major political parties, who described the dissolution of the House of Representatives as unconstitutional.

ALSO READ: Nepal Sets Parliamentary Election Date After Gen Z-Led Protest Forces Oli Out

According to officials cited by ANI, Sushila Karki has begun consultations to finalise her Cabinet. Though she has authority over all 25 ministries, she is expected to restrict her team to no more than 15 ministers. Names under consideration include legal expert Om Prakash Aryal, retired justice Anand Mohan Bhattarai, energy expert Kulman Ghising, and prominent doctors such as Dr Sanduk Ruit and Dr Bhagawan Koirala. Gen Z representatives are also holding parallel discussions to recommend names aligned with their reformist agenda. If consensus is reached, the Cabinet could be sworn in as early as Monday.

ALSO READ: Historic Shift In Nepal Politics: Can Sushila Karki Fulfil Gen Z's Expectations As First Woman PM? 7 Major Challenges

Karki’s rise has been welcomed abroad. The US ambassador praised her appointment as a step towards restoring calm, while China congratulated her and described Nepal–China ties as a “time-honoured friendship.”The Gen Z protests, which included 27 hours of continuous demonstrations, have reshaped Nepal’s political landscape. With Sushila Karki at the helm of a six-month transitional government, Nepal now enters a crucial period focused on accountability, stability, and preparation for elections in 2026.