Nepal Appoints First Female Prime Minister Amid Deadly Protests

Nepal has appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country’s first female Prime Minister, following a week of violent protests that left at least 51 people dead and more than 1,300 injured.

Karki, 73, was sworn in at Shital Niwas in Kathmandu on Friday after President Ramchandra Paudel confirmed her appointment. Known for her uncompromising stance against corruption and deep devotion to the rule of law, she previously served as Nepal’s only female Chief Justice.

Her appointment comes in the wake of a youth-led revolution, driven largely by students and Gen Z activists, which forced the resignation of the former Prime Minister and his cabinet. Karki herself joined the demonstrations, strengthening her appeal as a leader aligned with the people’s demands for justice and reform.

“This is a credible choice to lead the interim government,” said former Supreme Court Justice Anil Kumar Sinha, who worked with Karki. “Her integrity has never been in doubt, and she is courageous and not easily swayed by pressure.”

The unrest, however, has left the country in turmoil. Police reported that among the 51 fatalities were 21 protesters, nine prisoners, three police officers, and 18 others. In addition, more than 12,500 prisoners remain at large after escaping from multiple jails during the chaos. Some fugitives have attempted to cross into India, where several were detained by Indian border forces.

Nepal’s army has imposed a nationwide curfew and recovered more than 100 looted firearms, including automatic rifles seen in the hands of protesters.

Karki’s first cabinet meeting is expected to move toward dissolving Nepal’s parliament, paving the way for new political restructuring. Supporters say her leadership represents a turning point for the nation’s fragile democracy.

As Nepal enters this historic phase, many citizens are hopeful that her rise to power will bring stability, justice, and a brighter future.