PAKISTAN READER

Mahesh Batta

In the news
On 8 September, thousands of young Nepalese, predominantly students and young professionals belonging to Generation Z, took to the streets of Kathmandu and other major cities. The protests were sparked by the government’s ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X and YouTube. 

Wearing school uniforms and carrying school bags, protesters gathered in symbolic public spaces such as Maitighar Mandala, peacefully demanding that the social media ban be lifted, corrupt politicians be held accountable, and entrenched leaders be removed from power. Security forces responded using tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets and in some cases, open fire. Demonstrations took a violent turn after the police response, resulting in the death of at least 30 protesters. What began as peaceful demonstrations immediately reached new heights, forcing the resignation of the Home Minister, followed soon after by the Prime Minister. Violence spread across the country; houses of leaders, ministry quarters, media houses, businesses and even key government buildings, including the Parliament, Supreme Court and Singh Durbar and other key administrative offices, were attacked and set on fire.

On the same day, under growing pressure, the government lifted the ban; however, the demonstrations escalated. 

On 9 September, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned. On 10 September, the army took control of Nepal’s parliament and patrolled the streets amidst curfew in Kathmandu. The Nepal Army stated that the measures were necessitated to curb possible incidents of looting, arson, and other crimes "under the guise of agitation.” Talks between the Nepal Army, President Ram Chandra Paudel and the protesters began to decide the new interim leadership.

On 11 September, the protesters nominated Nepal’s first female Chief Justice Sushila Karki to become Prime Minister of the interim government. 

Issues at large
First, the ban on social media that triggered the protests. Early in the week, the government banned all social media platforms across the country, amidst companies' failure to register under the new rules imposed by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Young protesters saw the social media ban as censorship and an attack on their freedom of expression and civic space. For Gen Z, social media is not merely a source of entertainment, but also education, communication, social life, promoting enterprises, community organising and political expression. 

Second, the youth unrest. The nature of youth participation in the protests makes it unique. Unlike the previous waves of protests in Nepal, this one is not organised by traditional political parties. Instead, it is grassroots, digitally coordinated uprising, largely led by students. The Gen Z generation, born roughly between the mid-1990s and 2010, is challenging both political stagnation and restrictions on digital freedom at the same time. They are demanding that leaders be held accountable and that the political system serve the people, not just the elites. The scale of mobilisation across cities highlights not only the anger of young Nepalese but also their capacity to organise independently and demand a more just and accountable political system.

Third, the long-standing political instability and public discontent over corruption and bad governance. Nepal has a long history of political instability, frequent changes in government and widespread complaints and protests about corruption and bad governance. The country has seen 14 different governments since 2008. No government has completed a full five-year term. Many young Nepalese point out the stark contrast between the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children and the everyday struggles of ordinary youths, who often face joblessness, low wages or the painful choice of migrating abroad for work. This frustration has taken shape online in the form of the #Nepobaby movement, a rallying cry against inherited privilege and political entitlement. Demonstrators are no longer satisfied with small reforms or half-hearted promises. They are demanding wholesale change—mass resignations, new elections and even the dissolution of parliament. Many feel that Nepal’s political institutions have become self-serving, detached from the public and unwilling to prioritise the needs of young citizens.

In perspective
First, so much happened so quickly. Youth protests are not new, but this time, it feels different. Within just 48 hours, the government collapsed, public and private properties were vandalised, and, in some areas, prisoners even broke out of jail. A lot of uncertainties remain.

Second, global connections. Similar youth-led protests are happening in many countries around the world, often focused on issues like digital rights, climate change, inequality and corruption. What makes Nepal’s situation unique is how crucial social media is to young people’s lives. For them, it is not just a tool for entertainment but also for learning, connecting, earning and expressing themselves. Restricting access to these platforms has touched a nerve and brought long-standing frustrations to the surface.

Third, risks and challenges. While the movement is powerful, it comes with risks. Violence can further escalate, leading to more loss of life, property damage and stricter crackdowns from the Nepal Army. There is also the danger of political parties trying to take over the movement for their own benefit, as some leaders and political parties have already begun claiming credit. Keeping the protests peaceful, maintaining focus and turning anger into clear demands are major challenges for the youth. A key question remains: will the movement bring real change or only symbolic gestures?

And finally, on the one hand, the Gen Z protests show that young people in Nepal are becoming more politically aware and active. They want more transparency, accountability and freedom, and they are less willing to tolerate corruption. On the other side, although such destruction was never part of the “Gen Z Revolution”, the movement spiralled out of control, with vested groups taking advantage of the chaos. The Nepal Army has now stepped in to restore order and has urged the protesters to put forward a leader to help form an interim government and stabilise the situation.

About the authors
Mahesh Bhatta is a Project Manager at COSATT.

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