Why a now-deleted opinion article on Pak youth triggered widespread storm on social media
The article written by Zorain Nizamani, the son of an actor couple, on how Pakistan's Gen Z could see through the government and the army's narratives quickly became viral, apparently prompting the army to order it to be taken down, triggering a row.
New Delhi: Pakistani authorities have reportedly been rattled by an op-ed written by a PhD student in the US.
The article written by Zorain Nizamani, the son of an actor couple, on how Pakistan's Gen Z could see through the government and the army's narratives quickly became viral, apparently prompting the army to order it to be taken down, triggering a row.
What was the article in question?
The article in question, titled 'It is Over,' was published by the English daily The Express Tribune on January 1. The website has taken it down, but screenshots of the article have become viral on social media platforms. It has made Zorain a trending topic in the country and catapulted him to online fame.
What was written in the article?
Zorain, in his op-ed, wrote about the growing disconnect between Pakistan's ruling elite and its younger generations. He wrote, "For the older men and women in power, it's over. The young generation isn't buying any of what you're trying to sell to them. No matter how many talks and seminars you arrange in schools and colleges, trying to promote patriotism, it isn't working.
He added, "Patriotism comes naturally when there is equal opportunity, sound infrastructure, and efficient mechanisms in place." Zorain is the son of popular actors Fazila Qazi and Qaiser Khan Nizamani.
He also wrote, "Young minds, the Gen Z, the alphas, they know exactly what is happening, and despite your consistent efforts of trying to sell your views of patriotism to them, they are seeing right through it. Despite your best efforts to keep the masses as illiterate as possible, you have failed. You have failed to tell people what to think; they are thinking for themselves. They might be a little too scared to speak their minds because they prefer breathing,"
The article further said, "The Gen Z wants faster internet, the ones in power want a stronger firewall. Gen Z wants cheaper smartphones, and the boomers want smartphones to be taxed. The Gen Z wants eased restrictions on freelancing, and the boomers want to increase regulations on freelancing." The article's clippings have become viral, with journalists, activists, lawyers, and even Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party amplifying their content.