The question gained momentum after a dramatic moment in Bangladesh, when Sheikh Hasina Wajid, prime minister for nearly fifteen years resigned overnight and fled for safety.
Her fall was pushed by a powerful tide of public anger, led mostly by students, after the government touched the sensitive quota system. What began as frustration soon turned into a nationwide revolt that toppled the government.
Protesters even tore down the statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and houses of Hasina’s supporters were set on fire until an interim government restored calm.
With fresh elections approaching, Bangladeshi voters are unusually energized. But in Pakistan, the debate is not about elections, it is about whether a similar public uprising is even possible.
For the past two years, Pakistan has been stuck in a perpetual political crisis. The growing influence of the establishment, combined with scattered political strategies, has deepened uncertainty.
After Imran Khan was ousted through a no confidence vote in 2022, he has faced multiple cases and long months in prison. PTI leaders speak of restrictions and disappearances, while inflation, unemployment and social tensions continue to climb.
From missing persons in Balochistan to long standing issues in Kurram and Parachinar, public frustration is spreading. Rising taxes and soaring prices have pushed many to the edge.
At the moment, only Jamaat e Islami is staging mild protests under the banner ‘Badal Do Nizam,’ but experts argue that Pakistan’s political landscape is too divided for a united movement.
Naveed Chaudhry from City News Network, speaking to Pakistan Matters, says anger alone cannot spark change unless it transforms into a real movement. He points out that despite Imran Khan’s immense popularity, no major breakthrough has happened.
According to him, Bangladesh’s situation was different, it is a more uniform society, whereas Pakistan’s ethnic diversity makes nationwide unity far more difficult.
Dr. Shafaat Ali Malik also believes that Pakistan’s multicultural structure prevents a single, nationwide uprising. Every region has its own priorities, and no common platform exists to bring everyone together.
He notes that past movements in Pakistan succeeded only when supported by a strong institution or pressure group, something that is missing at the moment.
Professor Irfan Ali Fani adds that Bangladeshis have a long history of resistance, while Pakistan’s eastern regions, Punjab and Sindh rarely show strong defiance. He predicts no major movement in these provinces anytime soon, although smaller regions like Gilgit Baltistan or Azad Kashmir might see unrest in the future.
Looking at today’s climate and expert opinions, the possibility of a Bangladesh style revolt in Pakistan seems extremely slim.
Still, one lesson stands out clearly, when economic hardship and social injustice continue unchecked, even a quiet society can reach a breaking point.
Authored by Azhar Thraj
