A federal minister’s blunt remark has stirred a social media storm in Pakistan this week. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called the country’s Gen-Z “cockroaches” in a public forum and warned that if this generation ever got together, they could “turn everything upside down.” The comment itself was not meant as an insult. It was borrowed from a term used by Indian officials earlier this year for young protesters, which they then turned into a badge of pride. Naqvi’s comment has sparked a bigger question in Pakistan: whether the country’s youth is being heard or merely talked about.
What the Minister Really Meant
Speaking at the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026 in Islamabad, Naqvi said something that is rarely spoken out loud by a sitting minister: that Pakistan’s governance system has ‘collapsed’ after decades of not delivering. He argued that power has to move away from Islamabad by way of decentralization so that provinces and local bodies can fix basic services faster. He then referred to the “cockroach” label, saying if young Pakistanis stood together like their Indian counterparts did recently, the impact would be impossible to ignore.
The term ‘cockroach’ was actually coined in India Why
The term did not originate in Pakistan. It came from India, where a senior figure dismissed young students protesting over exam paper leaks and hiring scams as “cockroaches.” Instead of being offended, the Indian youth adopted the label, even creating a symbolic “Cockroach Janta Party” as a badge of pride. In his speech, Naqvi both acknowledged that the movement warned Pakistan’s own establishment not to repeat the mistake.
The Real Problem: Jobs, Not Slogans
Naqvi was clear that the young Pakistanis were not looking for handouts. “Stipends, laptops or small cash schemes will not satisfy a generation that wants merit-based jobs, fair justice and equal opportunity,” he said. This is what most Pakistani households already feel on the ground.
What Does This Mean for Today’s Youth of Pakistan
•Millions of graduates from Punjab, Sindh, KP, and Balochistan are entering a job market where connections often take precedence over merit.
•Many young Pakistanis are resorting to digital and gig work, including freelancing and ride-hailing apps, but formal job offers are still nowhere in sight.
•Frustration over delayed exams, biased recruitment and inflation is mounting in a similar way to that seen in neighboring countries before youth-led protests erupted.
A Brief Checklist for Young Pakistanis Watching
•This DebateBefore you make a decision about your opinion on a political statement, make sure you are getting your information from verified news sources, not just viral clips.
•Keep an eye for real merit based openings through National Job Portal or provincial public service commission etc.
•Hunt for a job, but build in a backup income stream—freelancing or small digital work.
•Do not just rant on social media but engage in peaceful activities through student unions, civil society groups or local forums.
Conclusion
Whether Naqvi’s warning was a real wake-up call or just political theatre, one thing is clear. Gen-Z in Pakistan is watching how power talks about them and history in the region shows that mockery of frustrated youth rarely stays mockery for long. The real test now is that this speech will be followed by real jobs and real reforms and not just another headline.
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