Nepal's newly appointed interim prime minister has vowed to work with protesters to "end corruption" as she took office, putting an end to a week of political turmoil in the Himalayan country.

Sushila Karki, the 73-year-old former chief justice, has been tasked with restoring order and holding elections within six months.

Her appointment comes after more than 70 people were killed during anti-corruption protests which ousted Nepal's government.

Mass protests, sparked by a ban on social media platforms, quickly escalated last Monday, and over the course of two days descended into chaos and violence during which homes of politicians were vandalised and the parliament and other government buildings were set on fire.

It was the worst unrest since the end of a decade-long civil war and the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.

"What this group is demanding is the end of corruption, good governance and economic equality," Karki said.

She held a minute's silence on Sunday for those killed in the unrest.

Karki was appointed after intense negotiations between army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel, President Ram Chandra Paudel, and representatives of the "Gen Z" group, the loose umbrella title for the youth protest movement.

Thousands of young activists had used the Discord app to name Ms Karki as their choice of leader.

Parliament has been dissolved and elections set for March 5, 2026.

"We will not stay here more than six months in any situation, we will complete our responsibilities and pledge to hand over to the next parliament and ministers," she added, in a speech to the nation.