PAKISTAN PERSPECTIVE

Islamabad, July 23, 2026. From the Pakistani press's perspective, the "Cockroaches" uprising shaking New Delhi illustrates the fractures of an Indian democracy facing its youth. The movement, born in May from a remark by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Surya Kant comparing unemployed youth to "cockroaches," has transformed into a major political challenge for Narendra Modi, now in his third term.

The trigger remains concrete: the leak of the NEET exam, the medical school entrance exam concerning nearly two million candidates for less than 150,000 spots. The test had to be canceled and then re-administered in June, after a dozen student suicides were linked to the cancellation, reports Dawn. Student Abhijeet Dipke, based in Boston, launched the Cockroach Janta Party online; the movement's Instagram account surpassed 21 million followers in a few days, notes Daily Times.

The mobilization took to the streets in June and then intensified after the forced hospitalization of hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk, decided by the police, according to ARY News. On Monday, tens of thousands of protesters marched on Parliament in New Delhi; the police responded with tear gas and batons, leaving 178 injured, according to authorities - 118 police officers and 60 protesters. The protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, held responsible for the leak.

The opposition has seized the opportunity: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was briefly detained after a sit-in in front of Modi's residence before being released. "We owe our students answers, reforms, and accountability," Pradhan promised on social media. The movement, which claims to want to stay out of the electoral game, warns: "The cockroaches are alive."

For Pakistani editorial offices, the episode confirms structural tensions on the Indian side - youth unemployment, corruption in public competitions, space left for contestation - while highlighting the firmness of the security response to a youth mobilized on social media.