Islamabad, March 5 (NationPress) Authorities in Pakistan are framing the dissatisfaction among the youth as a security dilemma rather than acknowledging it as an economic crisis. Years of repression have disrupted the solidarity among young demonstrators, leading to a shift towards identity-focused activism instead of a united stand against economic and political injustices.

Amidst the fear of expressing their opinions openly, whether on the streets or in digital spaces, many young Pakistanis view emigration as a more secure and feasible option than engaging in protests, as highlighted in a report released on Thursday.

“Over the past two years, more than 800,000 young individuals have departed from Pakistan—not solely due to the significant economic turmoil but also because of the stringent control the state exerts over public demonstrations and online dissent. This alarming figure for a nation of 250 million people, which should ideally be among the world’s largest democracies, is particularly concerning considering that 75% of Pakistan's populace is under the age of 35, with youth unemployment around 10%,” the report from the non-profit news outlet, ‘The New Humanitarian,’ elaborated.

The report further reveals that when young Pakistanis mobilize for change, they frequently face violence and government-imposed censorship.

It detailed an incident in October 2025, where youth in Muzaffarabad, a region in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), initiated protests organized by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), a civil rights group. The demonstrators criticized the extravagant lifestyles of officials while local populations struggled to meet basic needs such as wheat and electricity. The brutal crackdown by authorities resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals and led to a mandated internet blackout by the government.

“The severe response to the Muzaffarabad protests is not an isolated case in Pakistan. It symbolizes a broader issue. Leaders fear that the surge of so-called Gen-Z protests occurring across the continent may extend to Pakistan,” the report stated.

For decades, student unions have faced bans in Pakistan, highlighting the state's profound apprehension towards organized student movements.

“In contrast to countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, where students are politically conscious and active, campuses in Pakistan are heavily surveilled, lacking avenues for free speech or political discourse. Pakistani universities have also been plagued by a series of disappearances, particularly among Baloch students, who accuse the government of exploiting Balochistan’s abundant resources while neglecting the local communities,” the report pointed out.

It emphasized that numerous educated and skilled young individuals in Pakistan perceive no prospects for meaningful change, stating, “Remaining silent to survive or leaving their homeland has become their only viable choices.”