Islamabad, March 6: Pakistani officials continue to frame the discontent among youth as a security issue rather than an economic failure. Many young people now consider leaving the country for better opportunities abroad as a safer and more practical option than openly expressing dissent or protesting on the streets. Years of oppression have weakened unity among young protesters, according to a report published on Thursday.
The report by the non-profit news agency The New Humanitarian states, “Over 800,000 young people have left Pakistan in the past two years. This exodus is driven not only by severe economic instability but also by the state’s stringent control over protests and dissent expressed through digital platforms.”
This alarming statistic is particularly concerning for a country with a population of approximately 250 million, which should ideally be one of the largest democracies in the world. With nearly 75% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 35 and an unemployment rate of around 10% among youth, the situation is not surprising.
Whenever young people in Pakistan organize for change, they face violence and censorship imposed by the government.
The report also highlights a protest led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC) in October 2025 in the Muzaffarabad region of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Protesters criticized the lavish lifestyles of government officials while local residents struggled for basic necessities like wheat and electricity. The violent crackdown by Pakistani authorities resulted in the deaths of ten people, and the government subsequently shut down internet access.
The report states, “The harsh response to youth protests in Muzaffarabad is not unusual in Pakistan. It actually indicates a larger issue. Leaders are genuinely afraid that the wave of so-called Gen-Z protests spreading across the continent could reach Pakistan as well.”
According to the report, student unions have been banned in Pakistan for decades, reflecting the state’s deep-seated fear of organized student movements.
Unlike Bangladesh and Nepal, where students are politically aware and active, campuses in Pakistan are closely monitored, leaving no platform for freedom of speech or political opinion. There has also been a wave of disappearances among students, particularly those from Balochistan, who have long accused the government of exploiting the region’s rich resources while marginalizing the local population.
The report concludes that many educated and skilled youth in Pakistan see no hope for meaningful change in the country. Remaining silent to survive or leaving the country has become their only two options.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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