Kathmandu: Amid Nepal’s escalating political crisis, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has emerged as the leading candidate to serve as interim Prime Minister, following widespread youth-led protests that led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and President Ram Chandra Poudel.

According to reports, Karki’s name was proposed and widely supported during a virtual meeting of the Gen-Z Movement, a youth-driven political collective that has played a central role in recent nationwide demonstrations.

Sushila Karki, 73, was born in Biratnagar and holds degrees in political science and law. She began her career in advocacy before being appointed to the Supreme Court of Nepal, where she served as Chief Justice from 2016 to 2017. She is best known as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice and for delivering key verdicts on corruption, transitional justice, and electoral integrity.

What is happening in Nepal?

The political shift comes in the wake of mass protests that turned violent earlier this week. On Monday, hundreds of demonstrators stormed government buildings, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, and the Supreme Court. Several political leaders’ homes were also vandalised. The unrest has so far left 19 people dead and over 300 injured, prompting the resignation of both the Prime Minister and President on Tuesday.

In response to the deteriorating security situation on Wednesday, the Nepal Army has imposed a nationwide curfew, effective from 5 pm today until 6 am on Thursday. Authorities said the curfew aims to prevent further violence and restore order.

Meanwhile, Kathmandu airport has resumed operations after being closed for more than 24 hours due to security concerns. Flights had been suspended as protesters blocked access roads and clashed with security personnel in nearby areas.