PoK Boils as Gen Z Protests Pakistan’s Education Policies

Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is once again in turmoil as a wave of Gen Z-led student protests erupts across the region, challenging the Shehbaz Sharif government’s education policies and exposing deep-rooted frustration over rising university fees, flawed exam systems, and limited opportunities. The unrest, which began as a peaceful demonstration, has now escalated into a major political and social movement, with tensions spreading beyond campuses.

The movement first took shape at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) in Muzaffarabad, where hundreds of students gathered to protest against massive fee hikes and inconsistencies in recent examination results. The new digital evaluation system introduced for matriculation and intermediate exams triggered widespread chaos, as many students complained of receiving unexpectedly low marks or being marked as passed in subjects they never appeared for.

When the results were finally released after a delay of six months, anger surged across the student body. Complaints poured in from various institutions across PoK, prompting authorities to form a review panel. However, the situation worsened when the government imposed a rechecking fee of Rs 1,500 per subject — a move seen by many as exploitative. This decision ignited outrage among students, who already faced economic hardship in a region struggling with unemployment and poor development.

The unrest turned violent earlier this week when a man reportedly opened fire on protesting students in Muzaffarabad, injuring one person. Eyewitnesses identified the attacker as Raja Mamoon Fahad, who allegedly fired shots in the presence of police officers. Shockingly, the suspect managed to flee the scene without facing immediate action, sparking widespread anger and mistrust toward law enforcement authorities.

Videos of the shooting soon went viral across social media platforms, fueling more protests and uniting citizens’ groups and student organizations against what they describe as “state-backed suppression.” The demonstrations quickly spread to other parts of PoK, with young activists demanding justice, transparency, and accountability from the government.

The student movement in PoK has drawn comparisons to recent Gen Z-led protests in Nepal, where young citizens rallied against corruption, censorship, and lack of development after a government-imposed social media ban. Analysts note that both movements reflect the frustration of a new, tech-savvy generation unwilling to tolerate systemic failures and state neglect.

Fearing the potential for a nationwide uprising, the Sharif government has reportedly increased security presence and tightened control over university campuses. Officials have also banned student unions and political gatherings within educational institutions, a move that critics argue suppresses free speech and democratic participation.

The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has declared its full support for the student protesters, warning that continued repression could spark broader unrest across Pakistan. Local observers believe that the government’s handling of this crisis will determine whether the movement remains confined to PoK or transforms into a larger youth revolution.

The protests highlight growing discontent among Pakistan’s younger population, who feel alienated by economic stagnation, limited job prospects, and a crumbling education system. With videos and testimonies spreading rapidly online, the Gen Z movement in PoK is gaining international attention as a symbol of resistance against injustice and failed governance.

For now, the region remains on edge. As authorities struggle to contain the protests, the question remains — will Pakistan’s leadership engage in dialogue with its young citizens, or will it continue to silence their calls for reform?