Nepal lifts curfew after Karki sworn in interim PM

New Delhi, Sep 13: The Nepal government on Saturday lifted the nationwide curfew and prohibitory orders that had been in force earlier this week, a day after former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the country’s interim prime minister, The Himalayan Times reported.

The Nepali Army had initially extended the curfew until 6 a.m. on Saturday. With restrictions now removed, public transport resumed this morning, and long-route buses from Kathmandu have begun operations.

Several vehicles had already departed the capital from Gongabu bus park on Friday evening. According to the newspaper, the Kathmandu Valley is now witnessing a heavy flow of vehicles and pedestrians.

Karki’s appointment on Friday night came during a special ceremony at Sheetal Niwas, where President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath. Her swearing-in follows weeks of Gen-Z–led street protests demanding the dissolution of parliament and the formation of a non-partisan interim administration.

Later on Friday, President Paudel formally dissolved the House of Representatives and announced fresh elections for March 5, 2026, his office confirmed. The decision was approved during Karki’s first cabinet meeting, held at 11 p.m. Friday, which marked the start of the six-month transitional government.

A statement from the President’s Office read: “Honourable President Shri Ram Chandra Paudel, as per the recommendation of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Sushila Karki, has dissolved the current House of Representatives with effect from 11:00 PM on Friday, Bhadra 27, 2082 BS. The date for the election of the new House of Representatives has been fixed as Thursday, Falgun 21, 2082 BS (i.e. March 5, 2026).” Karki, Nepal’s first woman to serve as prime minister, has been tasked with restoring order, holding elections, and ensuring a peaceful transfer of power.

Her appointment has been hailed as a rare moment of consensus in Nepali politics.

Widely respected for her judicial independence, she is seen as a credible leader to steer Nepal through its transition.

New Delhi welcomed the development. The Ministry of External Affairs, “We welcome the formation of a new Interim Government in Nepal, led by Right Honourable Mrs Sushila Karki. We are hopeful that this would help in fostering peace and stability.” The press release further added, “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.”