Pak Gets Its Own 'Cockroach Party': Who's Behind the Viral Movement Challenging the Status Quo?

New Delhi/Islamabad: Amid the debate over 'Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)' in India, now a new online political platform with the same name has become a topic of discussion in Pakistan. This group operating under the name Cockroach Party Pakistan (CPP) is becoming increasingly popular on social media. It has more than one lakh followers on Instagram and the organisation is calling itself a platform of youth against corruption, nepotism and privilege-based politics. However, it is not clear whether it is only a digital campaign or will take the form of a formal political party in the future.

Who started it and how did the campaign grow?

According to available information, this initiative has been started by Salman Tarar, a Pakistani student studying in New York. This account, created on Instagram in May 2026, is said to be operated from Canada. Recently it has also got the status of verified account. Due to being continuously active on social media, this platform is rapidly gaining recognition among the youth of Pakistan.

On which issues is he building his strength?

Cockroach Party Pakistan in its manifesto has given prominence to issues like strict action against corruption, opposition to nepotism politics, new employment opportunities, improvement in education system, solutions to energy crisis, tackling water scarcity and economic and political stability. The organisation claims that Pakistan should not be ruled by some influential groups but by common citizens and the youth should participate in changing the system.

How are you maintaining a hold on social media?

This platform is continuously sharing posts on other digital platforms including Instagram. In recent times, he has also mentioned the issues related to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the problems of the people living there. Apart from this, the organisation has also invited online applications for its different posts, which indicates that it is trying to convert its digital network into an organised structure.

How easy is the path of protest in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, it is not considered easy to openly run a political campaign against the government or the ruling establishment. Many Pakistani users on social media have commented that there is limited scope for such satirical or alternative political campaigns in Pakistan compared to India. Many people say that those protesting there may have to face legal action or other pressures. However, these reactions are personal views expressed on social media.

Will this digital campaign turn into politics?

Cockroach Party Pakistan is getting increasing support on social media, but no independent evidence has yet emerged as to how strong its actual support base is. Political analysts believe that there is a big difference between online popularity and grassroots political support. In such a situation, it will become clear in the coming time whether this initiative remains limited to social media only or will emerge as a new force in the politics of Pakistan. At present, it is certain that this digital campaign has definitely created a new topic of political discussion among the youth of Pakistan.