In a historic moment for Nepal, Sushila Karki, the nation’s first female prime minister, has stepped into office at a time of extraordinary upheaval. Her appointment comes on the heels of the deadliest social unrest the Himalayan country has seen in years—a wave of youth-led protests that erupted over corruption, economic hardship, and a government-imposed social media ban. The violence left at least 72 people dead, hundreds injured, and key government institutions in ruins.
Karki, 73, addressed the nation on Sunday, September 14, 2025, urging calm and unity. “We all need to get together to rebuild the country,” she said, pledging to work to get the South Asian nation back on track, according to state TV. In a move aimed at healing deep wounds, Karki assured that each family of slain protesters would receive monetary compensation of 1 million rupees (about $11,330), and that those injured would be taken care of. “You and I have to be determined to fulfill that,” she emphasized in her first public remarks since taking office on Friday, as reported by France 24.
The unrest, now widely known as the protest of Gen Z, began on September 8, 2025, after the government briefly banned more than two dozen social media platforms—including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The ban, intended to quell growing dissent, instead acted as a spark in a dry forest. Tens of thousands, mostly young people, poured into the streets of Kathmandu and other cities, voicing long-simmering anger over widespread corruption, persistent poverty, and glaring disparities between political elites and ordinary citizens.
The children of political leaders—dubbed “nepo kids”—became a particular focus of outrage. Their social media posts, flaunting designer handbags and luxury vacations, stood in stark contrast to the daily struggles of most Nepalis. “We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation. ... What this group is demanding is end of corruption, good governance and economic equality,” Karki acknowledged, recognizing the generational divide fueling the protests.
What started as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated. On September 9, violence erupted when protesters attacked the parliament building and police opened fire. The chaos spread rapidly: the prime minister’s office—an old white-colored palace converted to an administrative hub—was set ablaze, along with the offices of the president, the Supreme Court, key ministries, and several police stations. Businesses and homes of prominent families, including several branches of a popular supermarket chain, were also targeted.
By nightfall, the army was deployed to restore order. The streets emptied as soldiers took control, and negotiations began between protest leaders, the military, and President Ram Chandra Paudel over the shape of an interim government. The violence left a heavy toll: at least 72 people dead, according to state and international news agencies, with more than 1,700 wounded, as reported by CNN.
The political fallout was swift. Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, facing mounting pressure and the literal burning of his office, resigned and fled his official residence. In the vacuum, Sushila Karki emerged as the unlikely consensus choice for interim leader—a result of both her reputation and a groundswell of support from the protesters themselves. In an informal vote on the messaging app Discord, Gen Z activists signaled their backing for her as the only figure they felt could be trusted to navigate the crisis.
Karki’s credentials are formidable. Born in Nepal’s Morang district, she built a career in law that culminated in her historic appointment as the country’s first female chief justice in 2016. Known for her zero-tolerance approach to corruption, she became a symbol of integrity after her bench overturned the government’s choice for police chief—a decision that led to an impeachment motion against her by the ruling coalition. The motion was ultimately withdrawn following a wave of public and judicial backlash, further cementing her image as a defender of institutional integrity.
“We want someone who has integrity and is not a political opportunist. She fits that category for us,” said Biraj Aryal, a 28-year-old aspiring chartered accountant, in a quote to CNN. Law student Anjali Sah added, “She is also the first female justice of Nepal and we are hoping that a woman leading this country will help set things in order and reduce corruption.”
Karki herself has been candid about the challenges ahead. She made clear that her tenure would be brief—just six months—until fresh parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. “We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation,” she reiterated, promising to address the protesters’ core demands: an end to corruption, better governance, and economic fairness.
The international response has been cautiously optimistic. India’s Ministry of External Affairs welcomed Karki’s appointment, expressing hope that the change would “help in fostering peace and stability.” In a statement, the ministry said, “As a close neighbour, a fellow democracy and a long term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries.”
President Ram Chandra Paudel, acting on Karki’s recommendation, dissolved parliament to pave the way for new elections. The move is seen as an attempt to restore legitimacy to Nepal’s battered political institutions and offer a peaceful path forward after a week that saw the very symbols of state—the parliament and Supreme Court—set alight by a furious citizenry.
Yet, the wounds from the violence remain raw. The scale of destruction is staggering: the heart of Nepal’s government in Kathmandu stands gutted, and many families are mourning lost loved ones or tending to the injured. The sense of injustice that fueled the protests—especially among the country’s youth—will not be easily dispelled by compensation or promises.
Still, there is a palpable sense of hope, fragile though it may be. Karki’s reputation as a fearless jurist and her willingness to serve only as a caretaker have given her a unique credibility. She is seen by many as the bridge between the old political order and a new generation hungry for change. Binay Mishra, a Kathmandu-based public policy analyst, noted, “She has lately become very vocal, particularly about the politicization of judiciary and how judges are being appointed partially.”
As Nepal prepares for fresh elections in March 2026, the world will be watching to see if Karki can indeed provide the “safe landing” that so many hope for. For now, the country’s first female prime minister stands at the center of a nation in search of healing, determined to prove that even after the darkest of weeks, a new beginning is possible.