After Bangladesh and Nepal, questions are now being raised over whether Pakistan is witnessing a quiet generational shift driven by Gen Z. An opinion article written by Zorain Nizamani, a Pakistani PhD student currently studying in the United States and the son of a well-known actor couple, has sparked widespread debate by arguing that Pakistan’s younger generation is no longer buying into the narratives promoted by the government and the military establishment. The op-ed rapidly drew attention from international media outlets and social media users alike, before being taken down within hours, allegedly on the orders of the army, triggering a wave of outrage across Pakistan and unexpectedly turning Zorain into a symbol of youthful dissent.
Titled “It Is Over,” the article was published on January 1 by the English-language daily The Express Tribune. Although it was swiftly removed from the newspaper’s website, screenshots of the printed article began circulating widely on social media platforms. The sudden removal only amplified public interest, transforming Zorain—previously little known to the wider public—into a trending topic in a country where dissent is often met with censorship and digital crackdowns. What followed was a classic case of suppression fuelling curiosity, as journalists, activists and ordinary citizens condemned the takedown and demanded answers.
In his op-ed, Zorain focused on what he described as a widening gap between Pakistan’s ruling elite and its youth, particularly Gen Z and the emerging Gen Alpha. Notably, he avoided naming specific political leaders, the army chief, or the sitting government. Instead, he addressed the older generation in power more broadly, arguing that repeated attempts to manufacture patriotism through school programmes, seminars and official messaging were failing to resonate with young people. According to him, patriotism cannot be imposed through slogans or speeches, but grows organically when societies offer fairness, opportunity and functioning systems.
The article was, in effect, a sharp critique of Pakistan’s long-standing civil-military power structure, which continues to preside over an economy marked by corruption, unemployment and institutional decay. Zorain highlighted how the country’s unemployed population surged dramatically in 2025, while professional flight has accelerated, with thousands of doctors and engineers leaving Pakistan in recent years. These realities, he argued, are clearly visible to young people, who are far more informed and politically aware than those in power assume.
Zorain stressed that today’s youth are not ignorant or easily manipulated, despite sustained efforts to control narratives. He wrote that Gen Z understands what is happening around them and sees through hollow claims of patriotism that are not backed by action. While fear may prevent many from speaking openly, he suggested that this does not equate to acceptance. Instead, young people are thinking independently, quietly forming their own conclusions, even if they choose silence over confrontation to protect their safety.
One of the central themes of the op-ed was the phenomenon of silent exit. Zorain argued that because challenging entrenched power structures comes with serious risks, many young Pakistanis are choosing to leave the country altogether rather than protest openly. This exodus, he said, reflects deep frustration rather than apathy, as young people watch friends who dared to speak out face intimidation or worse. For many, emigration has become the only viable form of resistance.
The article also drew sharp contrasts between the aspirations of Gen Z and the priorities of Pakistan’s ageing leadership. Zorain pointed out how young people want faster internet access, affordable technology and fewer restrictions on freelancing, while policymakers focus on firewalls, higher taxes on smartphones and tighter regulations on digital work. This mismatch, he argued, symbolises a leadership that is increasingly out of touch with the economic and technological realities shaping young lives.
Economic inequality featured prominently in the critique. Zorain highlighted how those in power enjoy wealth, influence and comfort, often sending their own children abroad, while ordinary young Pakistanis struggle with rising living costs, stagnant incomes and shrinking opportunities. This disparity, he suggested, explains why official narratives fail to inspire loyalty or trust among the youth.
The removal of the article drew strong reactions across Pakistan’s social and political landscape. Lawyers, journalists and activists praised the piece for articulating the frustrations of an entire generation. Several prominent figures described it as an honest reflection of youth sentiment and a much-needed reality check for policymakers. The controversy also led to the article being amplified by opposition-linked social media accounts, which framed it as evidence that propaganda cannot substitute justice, jobs and dignity.
Amid the growing attention, Zorain addressed the controversy through a LinkedIn post, clarifying that he was not aligned with any political party and that the op-ed reflected his personal observations rather than an organised campaign. He emphasised that the piece was not driven by hostility, but by a desire to articulate uncomfortable truths. His mother, actor Fazila Qazi, also stated publicly that the article was a general commentary on how young people perceive the political environment and was not aimed at any specific institution.
What began as a single newspaper column has thus evolved into a broader conversation about generational change, censorship and the growing disconnect between Pakistan’s rulers and its youth. Whether this moment signals a deeper transformation or remains a symbolic flashpoint, the reaction to Zorain Nizamani’s words suggests that Gen Z’s quiet discontent is no longer as invisible as it once was.
