KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Sushila Karki sworn in as Prime Minister of interim govt
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of the interim government. President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy at Shital Niwas on Friday evening. She becomes Nepal’s first female prime minister and an executive head. President Paudel appointed Karki as the Prime Minister under Article 61 of the Constitution. Since the promulgation of the new Constitution in 2015, all previous governments had been formed under Article 76. However, Karki—who assumed office with the backing of the youth-led Gen-Z movement—was appointed under Article 61, marking a significant constitutional and political shift. Karki’s appointment follows a political agreement reached earlier in the day, after the dissolution of the House of Representatives (HoR)—a core demand of the Gen-Z protest movement and several political forces calling for systemic reform.
Gen-Z protest: Death toll reaches 51
The death toll in the Gen-Z protests has climbed to 51. According to Nepal Police Central Spokesperson and DIG Binod Ghimire, the fatalities include individuals from both the Kathmandu Valley and other districts. Among the deceased are three police personnel and one Indian woman.
Nakkhu Jail tells escaped prisoners, including Rabi Lamichhane, to surrender immediately
Nakkhu Prison authorities have issued a formal appeal for all prisoners who escaped on Tuesday to come forward and establish contact with the administration immediately. The appeal includes Rastriya Swatantra Party chair Rabi Lamichhane, who was serving time for a cooperative fraud case. In a notice released Thursday, Nakkhu Jail urged all escapees to surrender promptly. The administration warned that continued absconding would not only lead to strict enforcement of existing sentences but could also negatively affect any future legal rights, benefits, and social reintegration processes.
UN, India, China, and global powers call for calm and dialogue in Nepal
In response to recent violent protests in Nepal, the United Nations, neighboring countries India and China, and several Western nations have urged calm and the resolution of tensions through peaceful dialogue. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his condolences over the loss of lives and called for an impartial investigation into the incidents. He also emphasized the importance of safeguarding human rights and ensuring that demonstrations remain peaceful.
Nepali Army tells public not to believe false or misleading news
The Nepali Army on Friday issued a public notice urging citizens not to believe or spread false and misleading news reports linked to the military amid the ongoing political crisis. In a statement released by the Directorate of Public Relations and Information at Army Headquarters, the Army said that a number of commentaries, analyses, and claims about its role in the current situation have been circulating, many of them inaccurate. “The Nepal Army has been regularly making its views and activities public through press releases, press notes, and official social media platforms,” the statement read. “We therefore appeal to the general public not to believe in misleading and false news.”
US senators urge Nepal to uphold peace through democratic process
Members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee have called for the restoration of peace in Nepal through democratic means, amid the country’s ongoing political unrest. In a joint statement, Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Van Hollen condemned the recent violence, loss of life, and arson, calling them “unacceptable” and extended their “deepest sympathies to the victims and their families.” The senators emphasized the importance of accountability for those involved in the violent suppression of citizens.
Police request photos, videos of September 8-9 Gen-Z movement incidents
Nepal Police has issued a public notice requesting the public to submit any photos, videos, or social media links related to the incidents that occurred during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9. The notice, issued on Friday, urges citizens to assist in the investigation by providing visual evidence of unpleasant incidents, arson, looting, and other activities that created fear and panic during the protests across the country, including the Kathmandu Valley.
NEPSE extends market closure until Sept 18 amid political unrest
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) has announced that the capital market will remain closed for the entire upcoming week, following a three-day suspension this week due to the ongoing Gen-Z protests. In a notice issued today, NEPSE stated that secondary market trading of securities will remain suspended until September 18. “In accordance with Section 90, Sub-section (1), Clause (D) of the Securities Act, 2063, and with approval from the Nepal Securities Board on September 12, all concerned are informed that secondary market trading will remain closed until September 18, 2025,” the notice reads.
NHRC calls for resolution based on rule of law and human rights
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on all concerned to seek a resolution to the current crisis in accordance with the rule of law, human rights, and democratic values. In a press release issued today, NHRC Spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokharel stated that it is crucial to find a way forward grounded in fundamental democratic principles and the rule of law.
Rabi Lamichhane’s photo plastered on streets as ‘most wanted criminal’
Calls are growing louder for the arrest of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) president Rabi Lamichhane, who was released from Nakkhu Jail earlier this week by protestors amid the nationwide unrest and destruction triggered by the Gen Z-led protests. Lamichhane, who was serving time over a cooperative fraud case, left prison on Tuesday under controversial circumstances. RSP lawmakers Hari Dhakal and DP Aryal had visited the jail and allegedly pressured officials to release him, citing questionable paperwork. The document reportedly lacked even a registration number and carried a decision that, by law, could not have been issued by the Home Secretary.
Baburam Bhattarai urges swift swearing-on of Sushila Karki
Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has expressed strong support for the decision to appoint former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the head of the interim government. Extending early congratulations, he has called on all Nepalis to cooperate with and support her leadership. In a statement issued on Friday morning, Bhattarai urged President Ram Chandra Poudel to dispel any confusion and formally swear Karki in as interim Prime Minister without delay.
Last rites of policemen killed in Gen-Z movement performed at Pashupati
The last rites of the policemen who lost their lives during the Gen-Z movement was held today at Pashupati Aryaghat with full honors. During the violent clashes on September 8, ASI Milan Rai and Jawan Uttam Thapa were killed in the Maharajgunj Police Circle, while Assistant Constable Amrit Gurung lost his life in the Koteshwor Circle.
54 prisoners return to Chitwan prison after mass escape
Prisoners who escaped from Bharatpur prison in Chitwan during Wednesday’s unrest have begun to return voluntarily. According to prison chief Rabindra Dhungana, 54 escapees have returned so far. A total of 740 inmates had broken out of the overcrowded facility after setting fire to the prison and breaching the security cordon early Wednesday morning. The prison, which has a capacity of 550, housed 740 inmates at the time of the incident, including 46 women.
Curfew imposed in Pokhara from 7 PM to 5 AM
A curfew order has been issued in the Pokhara Metropolitan Area starting from 7 PM today until 5 AM tomorrow, according to a notice issued by the District Administration Office, Kaski. The curfew applies to all areas from Ward No. 1 to 33 of Pokhara. Earlier in the day, a prohibitory order was enforced from morning until evening. Chief District Officer Rudra Devi Sharma stated that the curfew was imposed in view of the ongoing tensions, including protests, demonstrations, vandalism, and the risk of riots.
NC’s Gagan Thapa calls for party restructuring and self-review
Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Gagan Thapa has urged a thorough restructuring of the party, emphasizing the need for introspection following a perceived loss of public trust, particularly among younger voters. In a video message released Friday, Thapa said that winning elections and earning the people’s confidence are two different matters. “We must examine why citizens’ trust in us has eroded. Especially, the new generation seems dissatisfied with our leadership,” he said. “It is not enough to just find answers — we must also take action.” He added that the party has struggled to move in a coordinated and effective manner.
Prohibitory order and curfew imposed in Rautahat until Saturday morning
The District Administration Office, Rautahat, has imposed a prohibitory order and nighttime curfew effective until Saturday morning. Issuing a notice this morning, Chief District Officer Binod Kumar Khadka stated that the prohibitory order will remain in effect from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while a curfew will be enforced from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. the following day. Essential movement will be permitted today from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
APF urges public to report crimes via toll-free number 1114
The Armed Police Force (APF), Nepal has urged the public to immediately report any criminal activity by calling its toll-free number 1114 or informing other relevant security agencies. In a press release issued today, the APF stated that as the current critical situation begins to normalize, certain individuals or groups may attempt to exploit the situation for criminal purposes. The public is strongly encouraged to report any such activities if they occur or are observed.
Organic potatoes become key source of income for Bhojpur farmers
Organic potatoes grown in Bhojpur have become a reliable source of income for local farmers. Once limited to household consumption, these potatoes are now reaching broader markets, thanks to improved road access. Traders are now driving directly to farmers’ homes to purchase the potatoes, eliminating the need for middlemen. “In the past, we had to exchange potatoes for rice due to lack of transport, but now we’re selling them directly from home,” said Shiva Kumar Bista, a farmer from Temkemaiyung-5, Majhaule.
Road repaired through community labor in Myagdi
Residents of Ramche in Annapurna Rural Municipality-8 have restored a key section of the Nagi-Ramche road by voluntarily contributing labor. The road had been blocked by a landslide at Chhaharekhanda near Thawangau in July and remained impassable for nearly two months. According to Ramche resident Fash Bahadur Garbuja, around 75 locals came together on Thursday to repair the damaged road.
61 of 85 prisoners who escaped from Dadeldhura Prison arrested
Security forces have arrested 61 out of the 85 inmates who escaped from Dadeldhura prison on Wednesday. The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and District Police jointly apprehended the fugitives and returned them to custody. According to the District Police Office, Dadeldhura, there are currently 103 inmates in the prison. In addition to those arrested locally, police are also tracking down and detaining other escapees from the district prison and transferring them to their respective districts.
Gold prices hit new record
Gold prices in Nepal surged to yet another all-time high on Friday, continuing a record-breaking streak amid global market volatility. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold rose by Rs 1,600 per tola to reach Rs 215,800. On Thursday, gold had traded at Rs 214,200 per tola. Silver prices also increased. The federation reported that silver rose by Rs 60 per tola, climbing from Rs 2,505 on Thursday to Rs 2,565 on Friday.
FNCCI expresses concern over economic losses during Gen Z protests
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has expressed deep concern over the damage to public and private property during the recent Gen Z-led protests across the country. The federation also paid tribute to those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. In a statement, FNCCI called on the Nepalese government, political parties, and relevant stakeholders to remain sensitive to the youth’s concerns, including dignified employment, self-employment, and proper utilization of government revenue.
126 escaped prisoners return to Bharatpur Jail
Prisoners who escaped from the Bharatpur Prison are continuing to return, following efforts by authorities to contact them and their families. According to Rabindra Prasad Dhungana, Chief of the Bharatpur Prison Office, a total of 126 prisoners have returned as of now. “A total of 740 inmates escaped from the prison on Wednesday morning,” he stated. “We have been reaching out to the prisoners and their families, urging them to return immediately.”
85 escaped prisoners return to Kaski Jail
Out of the 773 prisoners who escaped from the Kaski District Prison during the Genji movement, 85 inmates have returned as of this evening. According to Mahendra Bahadur Kunwar, Information Officer at the Prison Office, the return process is ongoing. “The Prison Department and the District Police Office have appealed to the escaped inmates to return,” he said. “We have reached out to them through their relatives and urged them to come back immediately.”
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