How Generation Alpha Could Shape Pakistan’s Future

Dr Ikramullah

Peshawar: South Asia has recently seen powerful youth-led movements, with Nepal and Bangladesh standing out as examples where younger generations rose against injustice and forced political change.

Whether such revolutions bring progress or destruction, the youth driving them seem unconcerned, guided mainly by passion and unity. Pakistan, however, presents a different picture.

The country is strikingly young, about 64 to 67 percent of its people are under 30, and nearly 40 percent are below 15, yet despite this demographic strength, the chances of a similar revolution remain slim.

Generation Z in Pakistan, those born between 1997 and 2012, is energetic, socially aware and highly active on social media. They represent the largest segment of university students and fresh graduates.

Their exposure to global ideas and digital culture has made them more vocal than previous generations. Yet, despite all these positive traits, this generation is unlikely to bring a united revolution. The main reason is that they are too divided.

Political parties have captured their loyalty to such an extent that most young people are attached to one leader or the other with cult-like devotion. They follow personalities more than policies. Instead of building consensus on a national agenda, they are busy defending their preferred political figure and attacking others.

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This deep division has weakened their collective strength.

In addition to political differences, Gen Z in Pakistan is also segmented along provincial and ethnic lines. Regional identities and local affiliations often take precedence over national unity.

A young person from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Balochistan may share the same economic hardships, but their political leanings and cultural outlook differ in ways that keep them apart. This reality makes it difficult to imagine them coming together on one platform to demand systemic change.

Another problem is distraction. Instead of focusing on long-term reforms or collective action, many members of this generation are absorbed in social media trends, celebrity culture and endless online debates.

Their energy is scattered and their activism, while loud, often remains limited to Twitter hashtags or short-lived protests. In short, while Generation Z is restless and outspoken, their internal divisions and distractions prevent them from acting as a united revolutionary force.

The real potential for change in Pakistan lies with the next group: Generation Alpha. This generation, born after 2013, is still in its early years, but their upbringing is very different.

Unlike Gen Z, they are growing up in a world fully dominated by the internet, smartphones and digital platforms. They are being exposed to politics, corruption and social inequality at a much earlier stage. Most importantly, they are observing the struggles of Generation Z closely, the unemployment, the inflation, the broken promises and the frustration of not being heard.

This observation is silently shaping their mindset. They see corruption in government offices, nepotism in job recruitment, favoritism in opportunities and the widening gap between rulers and the people.

They notice how state resources are misused while ordinary families struggle to meet basic needs. They also see the luxury lifestyles of the powerful being showcased in front of those who barely survive on meagre incomes.

These images and experiences are stored in their minds and will grow with them as they mature. If unaddressed, this constant exposure to injustice can fuel anger and frustration that may one day explode.

Generation Alpha has a unique advantage over Generation Z: they are not yet divided into political parties or provincial camps. Their minds are still being formed, and they are growing up with more access to information than any generation before them.

When they reach maturity, they may not tolerate the same injustices that Gen Z has reluctantly accepted. Their anger could be collective and their demand for change may be far more powerful. This is why Generation Alpha has the potential to become the true revolutionary force in Pakistan.

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The challenge, however, is not to wait for an explosion but to prevent it by taking corrective steps now. Pakistan’s government, institutions, and society must act today to engage the youth positively. The first step is to reduce the distance between rulers and the public. Government officials must come closer to people instead of living in isolation.

Misuse of the national exchequer and the public display of elite lifestyles should end, as they only create frustration. The youth must be given peace and security so they can grow in confidence. Bias and favoritism in jobs and education should be replaced with transparency and fairness.

Equally important is engagement. The younger generation must be involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, debates and community service. Their energy should be directed into constructive fields. Transparent job opportunities must be created so that young people see hope for their future.

Delegations of government officers, particularly at the district level, should regularly visit schools, colleges and universities to build trust. This will help reduce the communication gap between the state and the youth.

Trust-building is key. The younger generation must feel that the government is listening to them and valuing their contributions. They must also be given assurance that peace and security will be maintained and that their lives will not be overshadowed by instability or violence. Only then can their anger be transformed into creativity and their frustration into progress.

In the end, the picture is clear. Generation Z in Pakistan, though vocal and politically active, is too divided and distracted to lead a united revolution like their counterparts in Nepal or Bangladesh. But Generation Alpha, still young and growing, is silently absorbing the realities of corruption, injustice and inequality. They are the ones who may one day rise up as a collective force.

Whether they become a generation of destruction or a generation of progress depends entirely on the steps we take today. The responsibility lies with the state and society to provide them with justice, security and opportunity before it is too late.

The writer is a government servant in KP’s Tribal Region, serving in a capacity that likely involves administration or governance within the region.

The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.