Gen-Z protests inflict Rs 84.45 billion in damage, 2,353 lose jobs

Mass youth-led demonstrations have erupted into one of the most economically disruptive protest waves in recent years, with new estimates showing Rs 84.45 billion in damage to property, infrastructure and commercial activity. Authorities confirmed that 2,353 workers have lost their jobs as businesses struggled to recover from prolonged shutdowns and operational disruptions. The surge of Gen-Z activism has become a defining social and economic story, revealing deep frustrations among young citizens and exposing weaknesses in local governance and employment systems.

Officials say the protests began as decentralized youth movements calling for reforms related to unemployment, corruption transparency and cost-of-living pressures. What started as digital organising across TikTok, Instagram and local chat groups quickly escalated into nationwide street demonstrations. The scale and momentum of the movement surprised political leaders, who underestimated Gen-Z’s ability to mobilise offline crowds through viral content and rapid information sharing.

Economic losses have hit small and medium-sized businesses particularly hard. Many shops and service providers were forced to shut down for days due to safety concerns or damage to commercial areas. Employers reported that supply chains stalled, transportation slowed and consumer activity dropped across major urban hubs. Analysts warn that the ripple effect may continue for months as local economies attempt to stabilise.

The job losses largely stem from businesses that were unable to maintain payrolls during periods of halted operations. Workers in retail, logistics, hospitality and street-level services were among the most impacted. Labour groups argue that the layoffs highlight long standing vulnerabilities in employment contracts and the lack of safety nets for low income workers in volatile situations.

Gen-Z protesters, however, say the economic fallout reflects deeper systemic problems that authorities have failed to address. Young demonstrators argue that high youth unemployment, stagnant wages and rising living costs have pushed their generation toward political action. Many also express frustration with what they see as outdated leadership structures that do not represent their priorities or daily realities.

Governments have called for calm while promising to review economic and social policy frameworks. Some officials have proposed new youth employment schemes, digital skills programmes and stricter oversight of public spending. Critics say these measures, while welcome, must be paired with long term reforms that meaningfully address inequality and economic insecurity.

Public sentiment remains sharply divided. Supporters of the movement describe the protests as a wake up call to authorities who have ignored youth concerns for years. Opponents argue that the scale of damage undermines the movement’s message and places unfair burdens on workers and small businesses. Social media continues to serve as the battleground where narratives, updates and misinformation circulate at high speed.

Economists caution that the financial impact, though substantial, may ultimately drive overdue policy conversations. The losses highlight the cost of failing to engage with younger generations whose expectations for transparency, digital progress and economic dignity differ sharply from previous eras.

As investigations continue and recovery efforts begin, one conclusion is becoming clear. Gen-Z has emerged as a disruptive political and cultural force, capable of influencing national agendas in ways few anticipated. The challenge now lies in translating protest energy into structured dialogue that avoids further economic fallout while addressing the root causes behind this historic mobilisation.