In recent weeks, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has witnessed an eruption of youth-led protests, with Gen Z demonstrators rallying against Pakistani governance and pressing for systemic change. The uprising appears to be part of a broader pattern of Generation Z activism across South Asia, following similar movements in Nepal where young people challenged entrenched elites.

The demands coming from the streets are multifaceted: protesters seek greater job opportunities, political representation, economic justice, and autonomy—reflecting deep frustration around longstanding governance gaps. 

Social-media usage, organising via WhatsApp and YouTube, and rapid spread of protest footage are identified as common enabling tools. Observers say the youth feel their future is being shaped by decisions made without their input—so they’re taking to the streets.

However, the demonstrations are not merely about protest: they symbolise identity-shifts, as Gen Z rejects both the legacy narratives of the past and what they see as agendas driven by older elites. Some analysts caution that while the rhetoric invokes “revolution”, much will depend on whether the movement can translate energy into structured political leverage.