The role of political and territorial disputes in the rugged valleys of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has completely transformed into a new form of resistance, one not led by militants or separatists, but by students. Over recent months, GenZs in cities such as Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Rawalakot have protested in unprecedented numbers, claiming that Pakistan has been subjected to systemic neglect and discrimination regarding its educational policies by authorities. Their slogan, which calls for equitable access, educational reform, and an end to institutionalised bias, exemplifies a generational awakening that the Pakistani establishment can no longer afford to ignore.
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A Generation Disillusioned by Broken Promises
Pakistan’s leadership has long used rhetoric about Kashmir to present PoK as a model of progress. However, this is a facade; beneath it lies a failing education system that has left a generation behind. Data from NGOs and academics show that Pok’s literacy rate, which was once above the national average, has dropped since 2015, particularly in rural areas. Chronic underfunding, corruption, and outdated curricula have led to a severe shortage of teachers and inadequate infrastructure. Students say that while Pakistan spends billions on defence and infrastructure, little is allocated for education. A viral video shows a 21-year-old protest leader from Mirpur stating, “We are Pakistani but treated as second-class citizens. Our degrees are useless, our schools are poorly funded, and our future is stolen.”
The Spark That Lit the Fire
The latest protests started when the PoK government announced a new admissions quota and curriculum changes favouring students from mainland Pakistan over locals. Nearly half of the spots in medical and engineering colleges were allocated to students from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reducing opportunities for the `Pok youth. Seen as an insult to regional identity, campuses quickly became hubs of resistance, with videos of protests flooding social media.
Despite arrests and curfews, the government’s suppression only strengthened the movement, driven by a digitally connected generation refusing to stay silent.
Digital Rebellion: the Weapon of Gen Z
This wave of protests in PoK is notably organised digitally, with Gen Z activists using social media to mobilise and broadcast their cause globally through hashtags such as # PoKEducationRights and # JusticeForStudentsPoK.
Independent media reports that most organisers are students under 25, skilled in online mobilisation, with student unions in Karachi and Lahore, as well as South Asian human rights activists, showing support. The movement frames grievances not as separatism but as a civil rights effort focused on education and equality.
Islamabad’s Response: Repression Over Reform
The Pakistani government has responded with both denial and repression. Authorities in Islamabad initially denied credibility to the protests, claiming they were provoked by foreign forces, which could be seen as Indian influence, a classic tactic to delegitimise dissent within the country. However, as the protests grew, the government employed harsher measures, such as cutting off the internet, shutting down campuses, and detaining some student leaders under the strict Anti-terrorism Act.
These actions have faced criticism from human rights organisations. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both expressed concern over how peaceful protesters are treated and have called on Pakistan to uphold freedom of expression and assembly.
The failure of Islamabad to engage in genuine dialogue has only deepened the unrest. Even traditionally loyal members of society are now voicing concerns about what they see as a breakdown of trust between the state and its young population.
An Education Crisis Reflecting a Larger Governance Failure
The unrest in Pok is not just a student movement; it reflects broader systemic corruption. Education spending is less than 2% of GDP, one of the lowest in South Asia. This implies a practical collapse of institutional capacity in PoK, where the already limited governance system depends heavily on Islamabad. Schools lack basic facilities, teachers are underpaid or absent, and political interference is widespread.
According to a study by the Policy Research Institute (Islamabad, 2023), 47% of schools in PoK operate without proper buildings, and over 60% of higher education institutions face accreditation delays. Such systemic neglect has led to brain drain, with capable students moving to mainland Pakistan or abroad, leaving behind a disillusioned majority.
The Road Ahead: Protest to Policy
The young, unfulfilled movement in PoK presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Pakistani leadership. Approached with compassion and a vision for change, it could become a turning point towards inclusive governance. Experts suggest that Islamabad should swiftly renegotiate its quota policies, increase funding for education, and grant PoK greater administrative autonomy within regional academic institutions.
However, failing to act could lead an already alienated generation, frustrated by systemic injustice, to become more radicalised. As one protester aptly said during a march in Muzaffarabad, our protest isn’t against Pakistan itself, but against the neglect we face.
The New Face of Resistance
The Pakistani-occupied Kashmir student movement marks a significant shift in the socio-political landscape of the region. What began as a demand for education has transformed into a broader cry for dignity, representation, and accountability.
A Place long perceived as silent, the voice of Gen Z PoK has emerged, resonating loudly on both the streets and screens of South Asia. The future of Pakistan’s education system, and indeed the entire democratisation process, depends on whether Pakistan listens to or silences them.
