By Karmrath News Desk
Pakistan: A provocative opinion piece by Pakistani academic Zorain Nizamani has ignited intense debate both within Pakistan and internationally after its sudden removal from the website of The Express Tribune. The op-ed, titled “It Is Over,” was published on January 1, 2026, and was taken down within hours, reportedly at the request of Pakistan’s military establishment, according to multiple media reports.
Nizamani, a PhD student in criminology at the University of Arkansas and the son of Pakistani actors Fazila Qazi and Qaiser Khan Nizamani, wrote critically about the disconnect between Pakistan’s younger generations and the country’s ruling elites. Although The Express Tribune removed the article from its website, physical newspaper copies and screenshots quickly circulated on social media, triggering a wave of public discussion and online solidarity.
Core Arguments of the Op-Ed
In the piece, Nizamani did not explicitly name Pakistan’s government leaders or military chiefs. Nonetheless, he delivered a blunt critique of the country’s civil-military structure, asserting that young Pakistanis, particularly Generation Z and Generation Alpha, are no longer persuaded by traditional narratives promoted by the state or establishment.
Nizamani wrote that conventional attempts to instil patriotism through school and college seminars are ineffective. He argued that genuine patriotism arises from equitable opportunities, sound infrastructure, and efficient institutions, not from orchestrated messaging.
His commentary highlighted what he described as the growing frustrations of the country’s youth: disillusionment with economic prospects, rising unemployment, and a talent exodus. The article noted that Pakistan faced significant unemployment increases in 2025 and that thousands of trained professionals, including doctors and engineers, had left the country in recent years.
Nizamani also suggested that young people are increasingly critical thinkers who “see right through” efforts to shape their beliefs, adding that many would rather seek opportunities abroad than continue in a system they perceive as stagnant.
Public Response and Backlash
The removal of the article provoked a strong reaction on social media and among journalists, lawyers, and activists in Pakistan. Critics accused authorities of censorship and suppression of dissent. Prominent voices shared excerpts and defended the piece as reflective of genuine youth sentiment. Pakistani lawyer Abdul Moiz Jafferi praised Nizamani’s work as expressing the frustrations of young people, while activist Mehlaqa Samdani called attention to the alleged censorship. TheExpress Tribune’s takedown reportedly reinforced perceptions of restricted press freedom.
Political groups including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) amplified the article on social platforms, framing it as evidence of widespread dissatisfaction with the establishment, although Nizamani himself has stated he holds no political affiliations.
In a LinkedIn post, Nizamani acknowledged the removal and apologised to The Express Tribune editorial team for any guideline violations, emphasising that the piece was based on personal observations and not intended as political activism.
Media analysts suggest the controversy reflects deepening generational tensions in Pakistan over issues of governance, economic stagnation, and freedom of expression. The episode has drawn attention to perceptions of censorship and the role of digital platforms in shaping contemporary debate, even when traditional outlets retract content.
