On January 1, 2026, Pakistani writer, lawyer, and PhD student Zorain Nizamani published a bold opinion piece in The Express Tribune titled “It is Over,” directly criticizing the older generation in power for failing the country’s youth.
The article highlighted systemic inequality, poor governance, economic hardship, and lack of opportunities, arguing that forced patriotism lectures and censorship no longer resonate with an informed and independent-minded Gen Z.
Nizamani wrote that young Pakistanis are increasingly disengaging from traditional narratives, choosing instead to emigrate, use alternative platforms, or express themselves online through memes and social media.
Even the Gen-X who was once in trance of Establishment & Military have woken up.
And guess who the parents of Gen Z and Alphas are… Yup the same Gen-Xers.
It truly is over.#2026YearOfImranKhan
It is Over https://t.co/IwIy5hDFDK— Ali (@pakipowerz) January 2, 2026
“Patriotism emerges naturally from fair opportunities, not lectures,” he asserted, pointing to a generational disconnect: while youth demand fast internet, freedom, and prospects, authorities prioritize control and restrictions, often overlooking the aspirations of the next generation.
Every Gen Z is pure idiot in all periods of history. They learn after they cross 30 that how life works and how to build something meaningful rather than simply virtue signaling https://t.co/1oKQqqst0T
— Stephen (@stephen_john28) January 2, 2026
Within a day, the article was removed from the Tribune’s website allegedly under pressure but the censorship only amplified its reach. Screenshots, full-text translations in English and Urdu, audio readings, and videos went viral on X (formerly Twitter), sparking thousands of shares, quotes, and discussions.
Social media users described the piece as a “generational rupture” and evidence that ideas cannot easily be suppressed in the digital age.
What a brilliant article by Zorain Nizamani (PhD Student) – This article is taken off from @etribune website most likely because it is calling all DG ISPR visits to universities a wasteful exercise because the Youth is not fooled by their propaganda.
Here are some brilliant… pic.twitter.com/kZcZ0CBoVC
— Jibran Ilyas (@agentjay2009) January 1, 2026
Nizamani engaged with supporters, thanking them for spreading the message.
The episode sheds light on Pakistan’s ongoing youth exodus and brain drain.
Official emigration data shows that 800,000–862,000 Pakistanis left for work abroad in recent years, while surveys reveal widespread dissatisfaction among educated youth due to unemployment, inflation, political instability, and lack of opportunities.
