New Era, High Stakes: PM Sushila Karki Faces Tremendous Test as Nepal Seeks Justice, Stability, and Reform

KalimNews | Kathmandu | September 13, 2025 : The appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister for six months has been widely hailed as a turning point in the country’s political history—one brought about by relentless Gen-Z-led protests demanding reform, justice, and an end to corruption. But with the celebrations fading, the real work begins.

Enormous Challenges Ahead for the Interim Government

Karki’s new cabinet—still to be formed—will immediately be tasked with navigating a nation bruised by unrest, deeply divided politically, and struggling to restore order and hope. Her leadership must address three simultaneous crises: governance, justice, and public trust.

The topmost priorities include: 

• Restoring law and order in the wake of the violent uprisings of September 8–9.

• Investigating corruption at all levels, especially among political leaders and high-ranking officials.

• Identifying and prosecuting those responsible for acts of violence including police firing , vandalism, arson, and theft.

• Rebuilding government infrastructure, including the destroyed Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar.

• Ensuring safety and dignity for all citizens, including victims of police brutality and public violence.

• Re-engaging a disillusioned youth population, especially the Gen-Z demonstrators who view this as their revolution.

Rebuilding Trust — and the Nation

One of the immediate symbolic and practical steps taken by the government is relocating the Prime Minister’s Office to a newly built, earthquake-resistant facility originally intended for the Home Ministry. However, the symbolism of that shift is not enough. As many activists and observers note, without structural reform, justice, and accountability, the movement that brought Karki to power may ultimately feel betrayed.

Gen-Z protestors, who have been celebrating the appointment of a non-partisan, principled leader, are also watching closely—and critically. For them, this is not just a temporary victory, but the beginning of a new political culture. They demand measurable change: real investigations, real accountability, and a government that listens and acts.

A Nation Demands Accountability

The corruption epidemic that has plagued Nepal's governance for decades is now a central test of Karki’s resolve. Citizens are demanding:

• Immediate investigations into the wealth and assets of political leaders across all parties, with legal action and confiscation in cases of illicit property.

• Seizure of illegally acquired assets and punitive action against corrupt officials, business elites, and administrative enablers.

• Independent and transparent prosecution of individuals involved in violence, arson, looting, and the destruction of public property during recent protests.

In addition to acts of public violence, the government faces the critical task of investigating state-sanctioned violence. A key part of the public's demand is:

A full, independent investigation into incidents of police firing that occurred on September 8 and 9, including the deaths, injuries, and use of live ammunition. This includes:

• Identifying those who ordered or carried out unlawful use of force.

• Establishing accountability chains within the security forces and political leadership.

• Ensuring that families of the innocent deceased receive justice, compensation, and public acknowledgment.

• Investigating whether the actions constituted human rights violations, and if so, ensuring those responsible are prosecuted under both national and international standards.

According to official data, 21 protesters, three police officers, nine inmates, 18 civilians, and one Indian woman died during the unrest. Over 1,771 individuals were injured, with 284 still under treatment in 52 hospitals nationwide.

Human rights groups, civil society, and even members of the ruling coalition have urged the interim government to take a balanced approach—holding both violent agitators and state actors accountable under the law.

A Nation Demands Accountability

The corruption epidemic that has plagued Nepal's governance for decades is now a central test of Karki’s resolve. Citizens are demanding:

• Immediate investigations into the wealth and property of political leaders across all parties.

• Seizure of illegally acquired assets and punitive action against corrupt officials and their networks.

• Total transparency in appointments and financial dealings within the caretaker government.

Justice for the destruction of state and public property, including police stations, government offices, and essential infrastructure, is another priority. Those involved in theft, arson, and violence must be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law, observers say—not selectively, but comprehensively.

The return of stolen or looted items, including police arms and equipment, is a pressing issue. Nepal Police has already appealed for the return of such items, warning of strict legal consequences for non-compliance.

Investigating Human Rights Violations

At the same time, the state’s own actions must come under scrutiny. During the September clashes:

• 21 protesters, three police personnel, nine inmates, 18 civilians, and one Indian woman were reported dead.

• Over 1,771 injured individuals were treated and discharged, while 284 remain hospitalized.

• Families of those killed or injured by excessive force are demanding justice, compensation, and recognition.

Karki’s government must ensure that all acts of violence—whether by civilians or security forces—are fairly investigated. A neutral, empowered agency must probe human rights abuses, misuse of power, and unjust killings. Victims’ families deserve transparency, accountability, and appropriate reparations.

Returning Prisoners, Rebuilding Morale

Prisoners who escaped during the chaos must be tracked down and returned to custody. Meanwhile, Nepal Police, itself a victim of attacks and demoralization, needs to be motivated, restored, and empowered to carry out its duties with renewed public trust and ethical commitment.

Above all, Sushila Karki faces the challenge of healing a fractured nation—not just institutionally, but emotionally and politically. The atmosphere of hatred between political parties, distrust in leadership, and anger among citizens must be replaced by a new national consensus rooted in fairness, justice, and democratic integrity.

A Movement at Risk of Being Forgotten

For Gen-Z protesters and their supporters, this interim government must prove it was not merely a symbolic change. If it fails to meet expectations, this movement—one that shook the very foundation of Nepal’s democracy—risks becoming a footnote rather than a milestone.

In the words of a protest leader on social media:

“We didn’t lose friends, bleed, and burn just for photo ops and press conferences. This is about justice. This is about a new Nepal. And the clock is ticking.”

Sushila Karki now holds the trust—and the burden—of a nation. The next six months will decide whether Nepal steps into a truly democratic, just, and transparent future, or slips back into the shadows of old power games. The choice—and the responsibility—rests with her.