How Gen Z in Pakistan Turns Instagram into Protest Art

Growing up in a digitally active world, Gen Z has cultivated the art of using the very digital media in their own style. People in the times of colonial oppression or world wars wrote books, letters, or essays to report their resistance and oppose the hegemonic forces. In present times, interests and aptitudes are changing. A completely new world has emerged. This new world demands a new way of expression and resistance. Just as paper and pen were essential tools for people in the 17th to 19th centuries, phones and digital media serve the same purpose for Gen Z. 

Gen Z in Pakistan Turns Instagram into Protest Art

As globalisation made the world a small village, digital media gave every individual access to it. Everyone has a keyboard with a send button without any eligibility criteria. If I like you, I will accept your invite; otherwise, the block button is not far away — this is how modern relations are working and existing. The question of whether this is a good or bad thing is not relevant to the current discussion. 

The ruling party uses popular media to shape people’s minds. Charismatic leaders are winning hearts and vote banks through their media presence. Traditional leaders, on the other hand, are also climbing towards social media so as to connect with the digital youth. In today’s world, the ruling and capitalist classes use media for their own ends, but the public also has its own version. Gen Z, in particular, faces significant challenges in this regard. Not all of them are accepting what is presented to them in the form of information or ideology; people are more critical now than ever. 

Conflict theories in sociology believe that the rise in industrialisation and individualism will create a highly rational, stratified society. This society will be aware of its exploitation and bound together with class consciousness. The class conflict will lead to revolution, according to Karl Marx. One can say that Gen Z are connected through class consciousness. They are aware of the exploitation, oppression, and marginalisation the layman is subjected to. The awareness and knowledge of their rights have made them more vocal than any other generation. The social media platforms act as a catalyst for their voice. The different media platforms have given tongues to the generational tongue-less public. 

According to Napoleon Cat, as of early 2025, Pakistan had 18.6 million Instagram users — around 8% of the population. Among them are scholars, activists, writers, and other professionals striving for change. Many Gen Z Pakistanis are using Instagram as a tool to resist oppression and demand change. One reason for their active participation on Instagram could be that it is an easily accessible site with unlimited reach. Another reason could be that this is their only option. Additionally, social media has minimal regulations, which aligns with Gen Z’s values; they enjoy and prioritise exercising complete freedom and the unlimited access that these platforms provide. If Gen Z cannot have access to the doors of governmental institutions, they can easily access their keyboards. They show their discomfort, resistance, and protest through their Instagram’s content. The political discourse has walked far from the doors of traditional media houses to the screens of Gen Z’s digital devices. 

The country is active with Gen Z’s ‘reel’ resistance. From political rights to gender rights, and equality on the basis of race to equality on the basis of ethnicity, Gen Z is passionately protesting though reels, comments, stories, and emojis. Gen Z actively reacted with a “what is wrong with this country” attitude to the honour killing case of the Baloch girl. The outrage forced the government to take action, even if it was superficial. People are generating mass reels as protest against the issues of the unjust killing of women, domestic violence, child molestation, and the rise in rape cases. 

The most significant issue at the centre of the Muslim heart is the Palestine and Israel conflict. At a time when the authorities are failing to act on behalf of Palestinians, the genocide and starvation in Gaza have profoundly shaken the conscience of the general public. People, especially Gen Z, are crafting protest reels, posts, and comments to support Palestine. Instagram is bombarded with Free Gaza and Free Palestine protest discourse through aesthetically triggering content. Although some people believe that these efforts are not benefiting Palestinians, the counterarguments remain strong. The boycott campaign is one of the significant campaigns created and continued through reel culture.

Thus, Gen Z is using the reel’s culture to resist and record their voice. It is their way of speaking and doing what they think is correct. Many artists generate content to bring revolution and leave their mark in this world. Although one can be critical of the self-proclaimed scholarship of individuals, in this day and age, this is how the system works.