23 hours ago
Last Updated:January 08, 2026, 09:20 IST
The removal of the article attracted massive backlash from Pakistan's political and media landscape.
The article, titled 'It is Over', was written by Zorain Nizamani.
Pakistan might be experiencing its own Gen Z awakening — driven not by the street protests or violence, but by ideas that persist and grow despite sustained opposition. The catalyst of the current rebellion that has shaken the political scene of Pakistan was an article by a young Pakistani academic, titled ‘It is Over’.
The article written by Zorain Nizamani, a Pakistani PhD student based in the United States, was originally published in a prominent Pakistani daily, The Express Tribune, on January 1. However, it is important to note that the op-ed was taken down a few hours later, allegedly under pressure from Pakistan’s army.
Meanwhile, it is believed that the removal of the op-ed prompted social media outrage, earning the author the status of a ‘national hero’.
Nizamani, who is the son of actors Fazila Qazi and Qaiser Khan Nizamani, is pursuing his PhD in Criminology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He is gaining praise on social media as the screenshots of his op-ed are going viral.
What The Deleted Op-Ed Said
In the article, Nizamani talked about the influence of Pakistan’s ruling elites over the country’s younger generations and argued that they are losing control. He noted that repeated state-sponsored lectures, seminars, and state-driven campaigns to promote patriotism are no longer effective.
“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," the op-ed read.
Nizamani, in his writing, argued that patriotism cannot be manufactured through speeches or slogans, but it grows naturally when citizens are given equal opportunities, reliable infrastructure, functioning systems, and guaranteed rights.
The article clearly mentions Gen Z and Gen Alpha, claiming that they are fully aware of political realities.
“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. Thanks to the internet, thanks to whatever little education we have left, despite your best efforts of keeping 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," he wrote.
Why Was The Article Taken Down?
The removal of the article attracted massive backlash from Pakistan’s political and media landscape. The Canadian wing of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claimed that the removal of the article confirms that forced patriotism no longer works.
“Zorain Nizamani’s article “It Is Over" being removed only confirms its truth. University talks and forced patriotism no longer work. Gen Z sees corruption, inequality, and hypocrisy clearly. Without justice, jobs, and dignity, propaganda fails. Old control methods are dead, the youth have moved on," the party wrote in a post on X.
Zorain Nizamani’s article “It Is Over" being removed only confirms its truth. University talks and forced patriotism no longer work. Gen Z sees corruption, inequality, and hypocrisy clearly. Without justice, jobs, and dignity, propaganda fails. Old control methods are dead, the… pic.twitter.com/mUjWE0TBDW— PTI Canada Official (@PTIOfficialCA) January 2, 2026
Highlighting the current situation in Pakistan, the country’s Human Rights Council also criticised the takedown of the article.
“The removal of Zoreen Nizami’s column from Express Tribune is a lamentable example of the increasing curbs on freedom of expression in Pakistan. The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRC-Pakistan) strongly condemns this action, as it is a direct violation of citizens’ constitutional rights and journalistic freedom," it said.
Location :
Islamabad, Pakistan
First Published:
January 08, 2026, 09:20 IST
News world 'It Is Over': Why A Deleted Op-ed On Gen Z Discontent Stirred A Storm In Pakistan
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