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Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of the interim government of Nepal.

President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy amidst a function at Sheetal Niwas.

After Gen Z's demand and all-party consultation, President Paudel appointed Kaski as the head of the government in accordance with Article 61 of the Constitution.

Karki is the first lady Prime Minister of Nepal.

She was ready to become the Prime Minister after an agreement was reached to dissolve the Parliament.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been appointed as the Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government after days of anti-corruption protests that claimed 51 lives and forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign and flee his official residence in Baluwatar.

With this appointment, she has made history by becoming the first female Prime Minister of the Himalayan nation.

In line with Article 61 (4) of the Constitution, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed Karki as the head of the interim government in consultation with the Nepal Army Chief and representatives of Gen Z who spearheaded the protests.

Article 61 (4) of the Constitution states that it shall be the primary duty of the President to uphold and protect the Constitution.

She expressed her readiness to become the Prime Minister after an agreement was reached to dissolve the Parliament.

Meanwhile, President Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy amidst a function in Sheetal Niwas.

After the swearing in ceremony, he also congratulated the newly appointed Prime Minister.

While congratulating her, President Paudel said, "May the country succeed and may the people prosper,"

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, ambassadors of various countries, and high-ranking government officials were present in the program.

However, leaders of the parties representing in the Parliament did not take part in the oath-taking ceremoney, expressing dissatisfaction over the formation of the interim government.

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai was present on the occasion.

Similarly, representatives of Gen Z who were present at the swearing-in ceremony exchanged greetings and congratulated the newly appointed Prime Minister Karki.

Shortly after the swearing in ceremony, Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives, the lower House of the Federal Parliament, upon the recommendation of Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the President, the next election of the Parliament will be held on March 5, 2026.

The Prime Minister is currently staying at her private residence due to damage caused by protesters at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar.

Nepal, which had practiced a bicameral system of legislature after the restoration of democracy in 1991, has witnessed several dissolutions of Parliament in the past.

KP Sharma Oli had dissolved the House of Representatives twice, first on December 20, 2020 and second on May 21, 2021. The Supreme Court overturned both the dissolutions.

The House of Representatives was dissolved for the first time in the country's parliamentary history on July 10, 1994.

Girija Prasad Koirala, the Prime Minister of the first elected government, dissolved Parliament after failing to endorse the policies and programs.

Writ petitions were filed in the Supreme Court against the dissolution. But all the writs were dismissed and the country went for mid-term elections.

Manmohan Adhikari, who became Prime Minister from the mid-term election, dissolved the House of Representatives on June 9, 1995.

The then Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa on January 8, 1998 and Girija Prasad Koirala in 1998 had attempted to dissolve the Parliament but to no avail.

The then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba had also dissolved the House of Representatives on September 24, 2002. The Supreme Court also upheld it, but it failed to hold the election on time.

Who is Sushila Karki?

Known as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, Sushila Karki is admired for her clarity of thought, firm stance, and integrity during her tenure in the judiciary.

Born on June 7, 1952 at Shankharpur-3 of Biratnagar, Morang, Karki completed her Bachelor’s Degree from the Mahendra Morang College, Biratnagar and went to Banaras Hindu University in 1975 to earn a Master’s degree in Political Science. After obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Law from the Tribhuvan University, she entered the legal profession as an advocate on March 29, 1979.

Karki spent three years teaching at the Mahendra Multiple Campus, Morang from 1985. She took the leadership of the Nepal Bar Association (NBA) Koshi Zone for three years from 1988, and later as the head of the NBA at the Biratnagar Appellate Court.

She received the title of senior advocate on December 20, 2004, and was appointed as a temporary judge of the Supreme Court on January 22, 2009. She became a permanent judge of the Supreme Court on November 18, 2010.

Karki served as the Chief Justice of Nepal from July 11, 2016, to June 6, 2017.

In April 2017, some lawmakers had attempted to impeach Karki accusing her of breaching Constution and failing to bear her duties,  but the effort failed.

Nepal’s private sector has called on the government to create a safe and conducive environment for conducting business and economic activities, citing recent targeted attacks on businesses that have spread fear among investors.

In separate statements, two of Nepal’s largest private sector umbrella organizations—the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI)—expressed serious concern over increasing attacks on industries and businesspersons. They reported widespread vandalism, looting, and destruction of property, which have displaced workers and jeopardized investor confidence.

The CNI warned that continued insecurity could lead to increased unemployment and a sharp decline in foreign direct investment (FDI). "The private sector should be allowed to operate without fear. If investors feel unsafe, it will severely affect economic stability and job creation," the statement read.

CNI also emphasized that rebuilding the public and private properties damaged in the attacks will require billions of rupees—resources that the government cannot provide alone. "The private sector is a major source of income for the government, and its support is crucial for reconstruction efforts," it added.

The FNCCI echoed similar concerns, highlighting that the aspirations of the younger generation—such as dignified employment, self-employment opportunities, and effective use of tax revenues—should be addressed urgently. The organization called on the government, political parties, and stakeholders to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to revive economic momentum.

“In this peak tourism season, we must send a positive message to the international community,” FNCCI stated.

The statements follow the September 9 attacks on several private businesses, including luxury hotels, car showrooms, and departmental stores. Over two dozen hotels were vandalized, with total damages reportedly exceeding Rs 25 billion.

Three days after violent protests shook the nation, Nepal is gradually returning to normalcy with heavy security deployment and cautious optimism among the populace. However, the process of government formation remains the key focus, as citizens look to political stability for lasting peace.

The recent unrest in Nepal, largely driven by the youth-led “Gen Z" movement, erupted over demands for political reform and accountability. Protesters accused political leaders of inaction, corruption, and a disconnect from the people’s concerns. The protests quickly escalated, turning violent, leading to mass prison breakouts, damage to public and private property, and a paralysis of normal life in many parts of the country. To restore order, the government deployed the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, enforcing strict security measures across affected regions.

Currently, night-time curfews are strictly enforced, with heavy deployment of military personnel across major urban areas. During the daytime, prohibitory orders are in place, allowing individuals to move about but banning public gatherings. Main streets remain largely deserted, although some private vehicles are seen on the roads. Public transportation remains suspended.

Banks and small markets, especially in inner city areas, have cautiously reopened, but major business houses and offices remain closed. Government offices, including Nepal Police headquarters, are slowly resuming operations. The police have urged the public to submit photos, videos, and any proof of individuals involved in the recent violent acts. More than 11,000 inmates who escaped during the chaos are still at large. Authorities have called on them to return voluntarily, and security forces have begun arrest operations targeting escaped prisoners.

Despite signs of recovery, fear lingers. "There are still fears that mobs could attack again. It would be a huge relief if a new government is formed soon," said Kishwor Tamang, a shopkeeper in Kathmandu. In the wake of the crisis, the nation’s attention has shifted toward forming a new government. President Ram Chandra Poudel has taken the initiative, holding consultations with representatives of the Gen Z movement, leaders of major political parties, and constitutional experts.

A key debate centers around the potential appointment of Sushila Karki as the new Prime Minister. While one faction of the Gen Z protesters supports Karki—a former Chief Justice known for her integrity—others oppose her candidacy. Furthermore, the 2015 Constitution bars non-members of Parliament from holding the prime ministerial post, posing a constitutional hurdle. Initially, the Nepal Army facilitated early discussions for government formation. Now, President Poudel is taking the lead amid rising pressure from political parties to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions. 

The private sector, which suffered major losses due to vandalism and disruption, is slowly regaining its footing. Business leaders have expressed determination to rebuild despite the challenges ahead.  However, the tourism industry has taken a severe blow. Several hotels were targeted during the unrest, and the perception of instability is expected to significantly reduce tourist inflow in the short term. As the country cautiously recovers, all eyes are on the nation’s leaders to form a stable and inclusive government that can restore public confidence and chart a path toward lasting peace and economic revival.