Goa, July 28 -- While student-led protests have reshaped politics across much of South Asia in recent years, Pakistan has remained a notable exception. From Sri Lanka's Aragalaya movement to Bangladesh's quota reform protests and Nepal's youth-led demonstrations, young people have emerged as powerful political forces. India has now joined that list after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led Gen Z protests forced the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and prompted the Centre to announce a series of education reforms.

The contrast has sparked questions over why Pakistan, despite facing severe economic distress, high youth unemployment and political instability, has not witnessed a comparable youth-led mobilisation.

At fir...