‘Cockroaches’ and crackdowns: Can Pakistan’s Gen Z storm the barricades?

Just look at what is happening in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. People have taken to the streets over bread-and-butter issues and local election grievances. At least 40 protesters have died this week alone. To add insult to injury, Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif has described these protesters as “enemies” like India and ruled out dialogue with them."Its absolute disdain for the innocent people of PoK was laid bare when the defence minister branded the protesting civilians as enemies," external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. He said the “so-called” elections represented a “humiliating rejection” of the Pakistani establishment. "We urge that the international community should scrutinise Pakistan's actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities," Jaiswal added.And yet, the violence has barely registered internationally. Some foreign media outlets have offered customary coverage, often with the expected tilt, but it has largely been treated as business as usual in Pakistan.