Is Gen Z Pakistan Becoming a Security Issue?

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As societies evolve, they are composed of diverse generations, each shaped by the distinct social, economic, and technological environments they grew up in. These generational differences often create varying worldviews, values, and behaviors, which require effective management to maintain social cohesion. Without a well-structured social control system that addresses the needs and expectations of each generation, societies risk unrest, tension, and fragmentation.

Generation Z (Gen Z), the cohort born between 1997 and 2012, is navigating an increasingly complex world. In Pakistan, their challenges are exacerbated by the country’s political instability, economic hardships, and social inequalities. The digital age has further shaped this generation, which is the first to have been raised entirely in an environment of social media, instant access to information, and global connectivity. These circumstances have amplified their awareness of issues such as climate change, political corruption, and economic injustice. However, there is a growing concern that Pakistan’s Gen Z is becoming increasingly frustrated, leading to disillusionment and potential civil unrest.

Gen Z is entering adulthood in a time of profound economic uncertainty in Pakistan. With an unemployment rate hovering among the highest in South Asia, Pakistan’s youth face significant challenges in finding stable employment. According to recent data, 63% of Pakistan’s population is under 30. This youth bulge, if not properly managed, could become a source of frustration. The table (1) highlights Pakistan’s large youth population, and on the other hand the Gini coefficient of 33.5, illustrates the stark economic inequalities within the country. These inequalities have left many young people feeling hopeless, as they struggle to access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Political disillusionment is a widespread issue among Pakistan’s Gen Z. Growing up in an era marked by political corruption, instability, and unfulfilled promises, many young people have become cynical about the political process. Pakistan’s political systems must adapt to the specific concerns of Gen Z, particularly in terms of political transparency, accountability, and digital governance.

Table (1) showing population of less than 30 years and above 30 years for selected countries.

The Gini Index is added to show distribution of wealth in respective countries

To understand the motivations of Gen Z in Pakistan, it is helpful to examine generation theory, a sociological framework that explains how generational cohorts are shaped by the unique historical, social, and technological events that occur during their formative years. Sociologist Karl Mannheim first introduced the concept of “generations” as social constructs in his 1923 essay “The Problem of Generations.” Mannheim, argues that each generation develops a distinct worldview shaped by the social, political, and technological context of their upbringing. The theory has been expanded over the years by scholars like William Strauss and Neil Howe, who introduced the idea of cyclical generational archetypes in their book Generations: The History of America’s Future.

Table (2) summarizing the recent human generations, their time periods

and defining characteristics

The Gen Z can be understood as a “Civic” generation—one that comes of age during a period of institutional decline and economic hardship. Civic generations are known for their pragmatism, activism, and desire for systemic change, which is evident in the way Gen Z in Pakistan engages with political and social issues. However, when their concerns are not addressed, Civic generations can become disillusioned and alienated.

Role of Governments in Misunderstanding Generational Motivations

Historically, governments have often failed to understand and address the specific needs and motivations of each generation, leading to political and social stress. In Pakistan, successive governments have struggled to adapt to the changing concerns of younger generations, from the Baby Boomers to Gen Z. This failure to adapt has contributed to a growing sense of disillusionment among the youth.

The Silent Generation (1928 – 1945) grew up during the formative years of the country’s independence. Shaped by the trauma of Partition and the desire for national stability, this generation valued traditional structures such as family, religion, and community. Pakistan’s political leadership, particularly during the regimes of the 1960s and 1970s, often failed to preserve the social and economic stability that this generation sought, but as this generation was focused on economic recovery, the social stress did not crossed the unrest lines. As the Silent Generation aged, their concerns shifted toward economic security and healthcare. However, the lack of a comprehensive social safety net in Pakistan has left many elderly citizens vulnerable, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction among older generations.

The second generation of Pakistanis forming Baby Boomers (1946 – 1964) came of age during a period of nation-building and political instability. Having witnessed the wars with India, the creation of Bangladesh, and multiple military regimes, this generation is deeply concerned with economic security and healthcare. Yet, successive governments in Pakistan have failed to provide adequate social services for the aging Baby Boomers, particularly in terms of pensions and healthcare. The Baby Boomers feel left behind by the rapid pace of technological change and urbanization. The lack of digital literacy programs for older generations has further alienated them from the modern economy, creating generational tensions with younger, more tech-savvy generation. Generation X (1965 – 1980) in Pakistan came of age during a period of political turbulence, with frequent military coups and shifting economic fortunes. This generation is characterized by skepticism of authority and a desire for political stability and economic security. However, Pakistan’s political systems have failed to provide the transparency and accountability that Generation X demands. The recent rise of political movement resonate with many Generation X individuals, reflects their frustration with corruption and political mismanagement. However, the lack of meaningful reform has led to disillusionment among this generation, many of whom have grown weary of the political process and take refuge in immigrating from the country.

Millennials (1981 – 1996) in Pakistan have grown up in an era defined by the internet, social media, and economic fluctuations. This generation is particularly concerned with employment opportunities and rising inequality, as well as social justice issues. The failure of Pakistan’s political system to address these concerns has left many Millennials feeling disillusioned and disconnected from the political process. Initiatives like the Prime Minister’s Youth Program and Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme have attempted to address Millennials’ economic concerns, but these efforts have been insufficient. High levels of unemployment and limited access to affordable housing have created frustration among Millennials, who are increasingly turning to digital activism to voice their concerns.

What Must Be Done?

Addressing the growing frustrations of Pakistan’s Gen Z and Millennials would require a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that tackles economic, political, and environmental challenges. The following recommendations are crucial to preventing unrest and ensuring that this generation remains a force for positive change:

Pakistan’s education system must be reformed to prepare young people for a rapidly evolving job market. This includes expanding access to STEM education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs. The Kamyab Jawan Program is a good start, but it must be scaled up to meet the demands of the large youth population. Germany’s vocational education system offers a model for how to integrate practical skills training into the national curriculum, ensuring that young people are equipped to enter the workforce. Secondly there is a need for developing e-commerce market platforms for Pakistani youth, creating talent to industry linkages.

Importantly, the trust in the political system has eroded over the years; the government must prioritize greater transparency and accountability. This includes cracking down on corruption, ensuring fair and free elections, and creating spaces for meaningful political engagement. Pakistan must also expand digital governance initiatives to make the political process more accessible to young people. Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of Gen Z’s struggles. The pressures of navigating an uncertain future, coupled with the demands of social media, have led to rising levels of anxiety and depression among young people. Pakistan must invest in mental health services, expanding access to care and raising awareness about the importance of mental well-being. Schools and universities should incorporate mental health education into their curricula, helping students develop the tools to cope with stress and seek help when needed.

Since gaining independence, successive governments in Pakistan have actively promoted the American model of democracy, particularly during the Cold War era. While this democratic concept has been widely embraced by the population, these same governments have paradoxically leaned toward applying elements of the Chinese governance model, characterized by exclusion of public desires and use of excessive force to implement government policies. This approach overlooks the fundamental incompatibility between the two systems. As a result, the country now faces social friction, a natural outcome of this mismatch. If Pakistan’s political and social systems fail to address the concerns of younger generations, the risk of unrest will only intensify. Whether Gen Z and future generations ‘turn rough’ depends largely on the nation’s ability to adapt and meet their evolving needs and aspirations.