New Delhi/Islamabad: Amid the ongoing debate over the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in India, a similarly named online political platform has drawn attention in Pakistan. Operating as the Cockroach Party Pakistan (CPP), the group has been gaining traction on social media, with more than one lakh followers on Instagram. The organisation describes itself as a youth-led platform opposing corruption, nepotism, and privilege-based politics. However, it remains unclear whether CPP is solely a digital movement or intends to evolve into 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 gained the status of a 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 the education system, solutions to the 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, certainly, this digital campaign has definitely created a new topic of political discussion among the youth of Pakistan.
