Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V: Pakistan’s Youth Borrow India's Viral 'Cockroach Party' To Swat Corrupt Elites

Published 31 July 2026 · india

Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V: Pakistan’s Youth Borrow India's Viral 'Cockroach Party' To Swat Corrupt Elites Reported By, Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 15:59 IST With over 112,000

Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V: Pakistan’s Youth Borrow India's Viral 'Cockroach Party' To Swat Corrupt Elites Reported By, Last Updated: July 31, 2026, 15:59 IST With over 112,000 Instagram followers, the online movement is targeting corruption, dynastic politics and Pakistan’s entrenched political elite. Rapid Read After India’s viral Cockroach Janta Party movement, a new group calling itself the "Cockroach Party Pakistan" has emerged on social media. (ANI) After India’s viral Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, a new group calling itself the “Cockroach Party Pakistan" has emerged on social media, positioning itself against corruption, poor governance and Pakistan’s deepening economic challenges. The group says its agenda focuses on economic and political stability, quality education, resolving the country’s energy crisis and addressing water scarcity.

On Instagram, where its account has amassed more than 112,000 followers, the movement uses the slogan “Pakistan belongs to its people, not corrupt mafias", presenting itself as a youth-driven campaign for unity and change. According to information available on Instagram, the account was created in May and is operated from Canada. It was verified earlier this month. The group identifies Salman Tarar as its chairman. The Cockroach Party has also invited applications for various party positions, indicating that it is attempting to build an organisational structure beyond its online presence. In its recently released manifesto, the group says it represents ordinary Pakistanis — particularly the youth — who are frustrated with corruption, dynastic politics and a system built on privilege.

It has pledged to promote transparency, accountability and democratic reforms while prioritising job creation, education, governance reforms and solutions to Pakistan’s energy crisis. However, despite its growing visibility on social media, questions remain over the movement’s actual public support, organisational strength and ability to translate online engagement into a meaningful political force. The emergence of such groups also reflects the frustration among many Pakistanis over years of political instability, economic distress and governance challenges. Critics of Pakistan’s military-political establishment argue that repeated military interference in civilian affairs has weakened democratic institutions and accountability. They have accused Army Chief Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the broader civil-military establishment of failing to address inflation, unemployment, governance deficits and corruption in a sustainable manner, while allowing power to remain concentrated among entrenched political and institutional elites.