‘Cockroaches’ and crackdowns: Can Pakistan’s Gen Z storm the barricades?

Pakistan's Gen Z population, estimated at 65-70 million, holds the potential to bring about significant change in the country. However, the hybrid regime ruling Pakistan, led by the military, has effectively avoided the formation of a unified youth movement. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif referred to the protesters as "enemies" like India, dismissing their grievances.

The external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the elections a "humiliating rejection" of the Pakistani establishment. Despite the violent crackdown on protesters resulting in at least 40 deaths, the incident has received limited international attention.

Pakistan's fragmented rebellions make it difficult for a cohesive national protest movement to emerge. With Baloch separatists, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, and various political factions, the country lacks a unified target for protest. Gen Z Pakistanis are angry with their leaders or political parties, but the military remains the true center of power and remains officially apolitical, keeping it out of reach.

Imran Khan, a popular political leader, was removed from power and currently faces persecution by the hybrid regime. His removal serves as a warning to Gen Z that confrontation with the establishment can have dire consequences. The fragmentation of dissent across different provinces and ideologies makes it difficult for the military to address these issues collectively.

Pakistan is also ranked as the world's most affected country by terrorism, with over 1,000 terror-related deaths in 2025. The use of force against dissent is often brutal and bureaucratically administered, with measures like sedition cases, enforced disappearances, and internet restrictions.

In conclusion, despite the potential for a youth revolt, Pakistan's hybrid regime has successfully prevented the formation of a unified movement. The military's dominance, coupled with the fragmented rebellions across the country, makes it difficult for Gen Z to achieve significant change.