KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
President appeals for calm and best use of upcoming elections
President Ram Chandra Paudel has appealed to the public to make the best use of the upcoming elections, saying a peaceful way forward has been secured for the country.
Following the violent Gen-Z protests and the resulting political void, President Paudel on Friday evening appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as prime minister and announced House of Representatives elections for March 5 (Falgun 21).
Prime Minister visits trauma center, inquires about condition of injured youth
Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Saturday visited Bir Hospital’s Trauma Center to inquire about the health condition of youths injured during the ongoing Gen-Z movement. According to Dr. Badri Rijal, head of the center, 36 injured individuals are currently admitted, with six being treated in the intensive care unit. He informed the prime minister that the condition of two patients is critical.
PM office being set up with furniture salvaged from arson-hit building
After the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar was severely damaged in last week’s arson during the Gen-Z protests, a new workspace is being prepared for the recently appointed prime minister. The office is being set up in the new building originally constructed for the Ministry of Home Affairs in the northwestern section of Singha Durbar. Security personnel and staff, including the Nepal Army, are moving furniture and equipment that survived the fire, such as tables, chairs, sofas, and computers, from the old office to the new site.
Cleanup and damage assessment begin at Singha Durbar after Gen-Z protests
Government employees have begun cleaning offices and compiling damage reports at the Prime Minister’s Office and several ministries that were ransacked and torched during the recent Gen-Z protests. On Saturday, staff members returned to their respective ministries to clear debris and salvage what remained of files, furniture, and office equipment. Officials said efforts are also underway to secure documents and items spared from the arson. Vehicles parked inside ministry compounds were also destroyed in the violence.
India PM Modi congratulates Sushila Karki, reaffirms support for Nepal’s progress
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the Nepali people. In a message shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Modi extended his best wishes to Sushila Karki on her appointment as Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government.
Public transport resumes in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Valley saw the gradual return of public transport on Saturday after days of disruption caused by the Gen-Z protests. With the security lockdown now loosening, microbuses, taxis, and ride-sharing vehicles began reappearing on the roads, offering relief to commuters who had been stranded since Monday. Drivers said they had taken the decision to resume services on their own initiative, as there were no longer security barriers preventing them.
Sunita Dangol asks PM Karki to respond to Gen-Z movement’s aspirations
Kathmandu Metropolitan City Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol has congratulated newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki, urging her to lead in line with the aspirations of the Gen-Z movement and justice-loving citizens. In her message, Dangol said Karki’s appointment as Nepal’s first female prime minister was not only a historic and proud moment but also a golden opportunity to lay the foundation of justice, equality, and good governance.
Homes of Prachanda, senior Maoist leaders torched during Gen-Z protests
The Maoist Centre has reported that the private residences of party chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” and 18 other senior leaders were attacked, looted, and set on fire during this week’s Gen-Z protests against corruption and misgovernance. According to preliminary data compiled by the party, the wave of arson began on September 9 when demonstrations turned violent both inside and outside the Kathmandu Valley. In addition to personal property, protesters also torched the Maoist Centre’s provincial office in Koshi Province.
Curfew lifted in Lalitpur as normalcy returns
Local authorities have lifted the curfew in various parts of Lalitpur following a return to normal life. The order was officially revoked at 11:00 am on Saturday. Chief District Officer Suman Ghimire confirmed that the curfew was suspended in accordance with Section 6(a) of the Local Administration Act.
Nepali Congress stands against Parliament dissolution
The Nepali Congress has formally opposed the recent dissolution of Parliament. In a virtual meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee held Friday night, leaders decided to take a firm stand against the move.
RSP’s Sumana Shrestha denies rumors of joining interim cabinet
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Sumana Shrestha has dismissed widespread speculation that she is set to join the newly formed interim cabinet under Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The rumors surfaced after Shrestha attended Karki’s swearing-in ceremony, prompting speculation on social media that she might abandon her party to accept a ministerial role.
Shekhar Koirala tell NC to embrace Gen-Z movement’s message
Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has urged his party to embrace the political possibilities opened up by the Gen-Z movement, stressing that the party must win back public trust with a fresh vision. “The party must integrate the emotions of society and the youth into a national ethos and dedicate itself to building a strong nation,” Koirala said in a statement released Saturday.
Injured protesters to PM Karki: Don’t let our sacrifice go in vain
Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Saturday visited the injured youths undergoing treatment at Minbhawan-based Civil Service Hospital after being wounded during the ‘Gen-Z’ movement. According to the hospital’s executive director Prof. Dr. Mohan Chandra Regmi, the injured shared their concerns directly with the prime minister. “They told the PM about their health conditions and urged that their sacrifice should not go in vain. They asked her to lead the country toward a solution so that the next generation does not have to take to the streets again,” Dr. Regmi said.
Tourism industry faces Rs 25 billion loss, but experts see quick recovery ahead
Nepal’s tourism sector has been hit hard by the recent Gen-Z protests, suffering damages estimated at more than Rs 25 billion, with dozens of hotels and tourism infrastructure affected. Yet, experts and industry leaders remain optimistic that the sector will recover swiftly, drawing confidence from Nepal’s resilience in past crises.
FNCCI president Chandra Dhakal writes: I feel like crying, but I have no such liberty
Chandra Prasad Dhakal, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), has expressed deep grief over the destruction of private businesses during the recent unrest, writing that he feels like breaking down in tears but cannot afford to do so. During Tuesday’s escalation of the Gen-Z protests, following what demonstrators described as brutal government suppression a day earlier, several private industries and business infrastructures were set on fire. Among them were Chandragiri Cable Car and Maulakalika Cable Car in Gaindakot, both of which are part of Dhakal’s investments.
Tourism sector braces for setback as peak season collides with Gen-Z protests
Nepal’s peak tourist season, running through September to November, is set to begin alongside major festivals Dashain and Tihar. But with the country still reeling from the Gen-Z protests, concerns are growing that the unrest could undercut the fragile recovery of the tourism industry. After years of decline due to COVID-19, Nepal’s tourism had finally started to rebound. Now, travel entrepreneurs fear that the timing of the protests could once again put the sector at risk.
Eight parties urge President to withdraw parliament dissolution
Eight political parties have urged President Ram Chandra Paudel to withdraw the decision to dissolve the House of Representatives, calling it an attack on constitutional supremacy and the people’s right to vote. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the parties said the move undermines democratic institutions and contradicts Article 76(9) of the Constitution, Supreme Court precedents, and Nepal’s constitutional practices.
Rabi Lamichhane to return to jail
Rabi Lamichhane, who had temporarily left jail during the Gen-Z protests while in custody over a cooperative fraud case, is set to return to prison. On Tuesday, protesters involved in the Gen-Z movement, including some party leaders, surrounded Nakkhu Jail, providing Lamichhane an opportunity to step out. Following his brief absence, nearly 15,000 inmates escaped from 26 prisons and reform homes across the country, and several facilities were vandalized.
UML’s Yogesh Bhattarai calls for party reform
CPN-UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai has called for comprehensive reforms within the party to strengthen its connection with the people and demanded a thorough investigation into the events of September 8 and 9 with strict action against those responsible. In a video message posted on social media, Bhattarai expressed concern that Nepal has once again entered a transitional crisis, stating that the dissolution of Parliament was not the correct way to address the situation. He stressed that the political transition should have followed constitutional procedures.
Curfew lifted in Kathmandu Valley
The curfew and public gathering ban imposed in Kathmandu Valley for the past six days have been lifted as of this morning. The Nepali Army had been regularly issuing notices about the restrictions since September 9. However, no such notices were issued today by either the army or the local administration.
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