- By: Irfan Khan
Youth today, across the world, is in full swing—with their ability to fearlessly question dynastic politics, one-sided decisions by powerful elites, and the legitimacy of governments, and, indeed, publicly vouching for their basic human and political rights. In well-educated, morally refined and economically empowered youth lies the true strength of a nation— it is undoubtedly for any state the greatest opportunity and the greatest challenge. In a world where people strongly believe in democracy, supremacy of law and in principles of equality and justice, nations that fail in building these pillars risk falling behind permanently.
Gen Z (born between 1997–2012) continues to break the ice—independently fighting against mighty elite-capture and defending their political rights. For them today, might is no longer right, silence is a grave crime and resistance is the only option against what feels like injustice and inequality. No force in the world, however brutal it may be, can throw cold water on the courage, enthusiasm and valiance of Gen Z.
Truth is evergreen. States can no longer silence the voice of youth; if they fail to ensure the rule of law, accountability, transparent and digital governance and fair distribution of resources, it may turn out that weeks can bring about what decades could not. For any state to prosper and succeed, it is then imperative to ensure the rule of law, uphold justice, expand public facilities and promote employment opportunities.
Before our eyes, India is an ostensible example where Gen Z—now united by a unanimous political platform, Cockroach Janta Party—took to the streets against a repressive system (Modi’s BJP)—widely defined by the flagrant violation of basic rights, dominance of elite-capture, economic mismanagement, decadent education system and weaponization of mainstream media. Initially, the uprising began against the unfair examination system, but it ultimately broadened into a wider movement, advocating for economic and democratic rights. Unquestionably, it bitterly exposed Modi’s regime and its cunning tactics. It may not have swept away the government; yet it has made considerable headway, earning support from other sections of society and demanding justice for millions of economically deprived and mentally exhausted students. While the mainstream media kept the mass public protest led by youth off the wall, the social media platforms served as mobilizing tools that united the voice of Indian youth.
Likewise, the revolution in Bangladesh was triggered by mass public protests led by hapless students against the 15-year iron-fist rule of Sheikh Hasina Wajid—who had established an unfair job quota system that largely benefited members of the ruling party. Besides, her order for the deployment of troops in the name of maintaining law and order, use of brutal military force and making ridiculous remarks (such as “Razakar”) further inflamed the youth’s wrath and ire. Although many were reportedly killed in road clashes with security forces, yet the students achieved victory at the end. And Bangladesh’s prime minister fled to India—a prelude to a freely elected government and a defining victory in Bangladesh’s politics.
Moreover, what factor sparked revolt in Nepal was frequent bans on social media platforms, which disrupted people’s access to internet facilities. Youth, which was already facing growing unemployment, elite-capture and economic mismanagement due to bulk corruption, could no longer remain silent spectators; they understood that what can be cured must not be deliberately endured. In this long struggle led by Gen Z, dozens of protesters were killed in what is widely viewed as a flagrant violation of human rights in Nepal’s modern political history. Within days, the prime minister stepped down, and a young leader was installed as the new prime minister, with the elections that followed months later.
At the same time, in 2022 in Sri Lanka, Gen Z lit up the streets and amplified resistance against a tyrant regime.
Unlike Bangladesh and Nepal, Sri Lanka’s case was quite different: it was the product of years of struggle against the dynastic political family that had captured the country’s politics and economy. In addition, corruption, misgovernance, ingrained poverty and soaring inflation added to people’s miseries. It was largely the efforts of the young population that opened doors for democracy to stand on its feet and the economy to flourish.
Over the last few years, whatever has unfolded in these South Asian states has bare and clear lessons for Pakistan and its elites. In Pakistan, Gen Z makes up a significant portion of the population, numbering near to 70 million. And yes, its contributions to the economy, information technology, medicine, science and technology, and in other walks of life cannot be neglected at any cost.
However, in Pakistan, youth has been facing crisis after crisis. For the last few decades, people have been grappling with poverty, economic impoverishment and terrorism—the result of years of inconsistency in governance, alienation of people, democratic erosion, militarism and fragile domestic policy. Additionally, frequent bans on social media platforms, shrinking freedom of speech and imprisonment of political/social activists have only exacerbated people’s anger rather than silencing them. There is no dearth of events where law-enforcement agencies resort to unconstitutional and coercive measures to torture pacifist citizens protesting against state policies and demanding constitutional rights. Similarly, the administrative system has been frail and fragile; the judiciary itself is in shackles; corruption is at peak; gap between citizens and state is wider; the economy largely depends on external assistance, which cuts our financial autonomy. Poverty stands at 41%. The country has the lowest rank in the South Asian human capital development ladder.
Whatever is unfolding in KP, Balochistan and AJK is a case in point. State’s angry remarks against social and political activists and its draconian policies—combined with politicians’ lack of willingness and harmony—cause the fire to intensify instead of extinguishing it. What is the greatest trauma, I see, is the sheer negligence and apathy of powerful stakeholders, turning a blind eye to the obstacles the Gen Z is encountering and keeping grave silence on the collapse of democratic rule.
The world must learn from South Asia’s Gen Z moment. We must be the first. When Gen Z rises, everything changes. Government, leaders and politics. The more we empower youth and make them democratically minded, the more prosperous becomes county. On the other hand, their political, economic and social deprivation unleashes seriously negative consequences sooner or later.
Let us not fool ourselves. Let the state uphold the rule of law, ensure the independence of the judiciary and protect the rights of its citizens. Gen Z vehemently desires a freely elected government, rule of law, transparent and digital governance, the right to express themselves freely, and open access to economic opportunities and other facilities. If we prioritize these outstanding pillars, we can then move on the road to peace, progress and prosperity. We will remain in a quagmire and doldrums if we fail to do so.
- The writer is a student. The views expressed here are his own.