There were 5.24 billion social media users around the world at the start of January 2025, equating to 63.9% of the total global population. Pakistani celebrities are making waves on social media, dominating platforms like TikTok and Twitter with their viral content and massive fan engagement. Their ability to connect with audiences, spark discussions and even stir controversies keeps them in the spotlight, leading to brand collaborations, increased global recognition and a stronger influence beyond traditional media. No longer confined to traditional media, these stars are using short-form video content and real-time social engagement to cultivate a dynamic online presence. From viral drama clips that captivate international viewers to trending challenges that show their versatility, Pakistani entertainers are mastering the art of social media, solidifying their status as influential figures in the ever-evolving industry of digital entertainment. This article by Tashheer’s research team explores how Pakistani celebrities are using social media trends to expand their reach, build their brands and win big in the online space.

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How Pakistani Stars Are Dominating Social Media Trends

From viral TikTok challenges to trending Twitter hashtags, Pakistani celebrities are redefining digital fame and capturing audiences like never before. Here are some key points that explain how Pakistani celebrities taking over TikTok and Twitter Trends:

1. Viral Challenges & Trends

Celebrities like Hania Aamir, Dananeer Mobeen and Wahaj Ali frequently participate in viral TikTok trends, dance challenges and lip-sync videos. Their engaging content often gets picked up by fans, leading to millions of views and shares.

Short, impactful clips from Pakistani dramas often go viral on TikTok, attracting new audiences, even internationally. This increases the popularity of the actors involved. Emotional or intense scenes are particularly effective in capturing attention and generating shares. Celebrities like Hania Aamir and Mehwish Hayat share unfiltered moments from their lives, making them more relatable and human.

2. Engaging With Fans

Pakistani celebrities understand that direct engagement with fans fuels their popularity. Fahad Mustafa, Saba Qamar, Fawad Khan, Mawra Hocane and Ayeza Khan regularly respond to fan comments, conduct Q&A sessions and interact with trending hashtags, making them more relatable. This direct interaction promotes a sense of connection and loyalty. They also use platforms to address social issues, making their presence more impactful and relatable.

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3. Hashtag Domination on Twitter

Hashtags play an important role in making Pakistani celebrities trend on Twitter (now X). Fans, PR teams and media pages actively push hashtags to keep their favorite stars in the spotlight. Like celebrities worldwide, Pakistani stars participate in trending challenges and hashtags on TikTok and Twitter, increasing their visibility. Hamza Sohail, Yumna Zaidi and Feroze Khan frequently dominate Twitter trends due to drama serials, controversies or fan wars. Hashtags like #WahajAli, #TereBin and #PakistaniDramas often gain momentum. Hashtags like #PakistaniTikTok or #PakistaniPride usually trend on Twitter, amplifying their reach. Pakistani celebrities who consistently trend on Twitter enjoy higher brand value, increased media coverage and stronger fan loyalty.

4. Controversy & Clout-Chasing

Clout-chasing refers to the act of deliberately stirring controversy, making bold statements, or engaging in online drama to gain attention, followers, and media coverage. It is a strategy to stay in the limelight, whether positively or negatively. Some Pakistani celebrities also use controversies to stay in the spotlight. Whether it’s Alizeh Shah’s bold statements, Yasir Hussain’s blunt opinions or Hania Aamir’s social media moments with Rakhi Sawant, drama often fuels engagement, pushing them to Twitter’s trending list.

Hania Aamir vs. Asim Azhar was a prime example, where their personal relationship drama spilled onto social media, making them trend for days. Even negative publicity increases visibility. Controversial celebrities often gain more followers, brand deals and media attention because people keep talking about them. However, it can also backfire if the public sentiment turns too negative, leading to boycotts or career setbacks.

5. Brand Collaborations & Monetization

TikTok influencers like Jannat Mirza, Romaisa Khan and Zulqarnain Sikandar earn through sponsored content and product placements. Pakistani celebrities are cashing in on their social media presence particularly on TikTok and Twitter, by collaborating with brands and monetizing their content. Although TikTok’s monetization options are limited in Pakistan, influencers earn through live gifts, collaborations and third-party sponsorships. On Twitter, celebrities engage in paid trend campaigns for brands, events, or causes.

Marketers and PR agencies pay influencers and actors to tweet about their brand using specific hashtags, boosting visibility. High-profile celebrities such as Fahad Mustafa, Mahira Khan, and Feroze Khan sign long-term deals as brand ambassadors for major companies like Coca-Cola, Oppo and Zong.

6. Political & Social Activism

Stars like Mahira Khan, Osman Khalid Butt and Mehwish Hayat use Twitter to speak on social issues, making their voices trend. Their tweets on feminism, human rights and political matters often spark debates and boost their online presence. For example, Mahira Khan has been vocal about women’s empowerment and domestic violence awareness, using hashtags like #EndViolenceAgainstWomen to amplify important discussions. Some stars actively comment on political matters, from elections to government policies.

Shaan Shahid and Hamza Ali Abbasi have expressed strong political views, often engaging in Twitter debates about Pakistan’s leadership, governance and foreign relations. Many celebrities go beyond online activism by actively contributing to social causes. Shahid Afridi, Wasim Akram and Ayesha Omar have used their social media presence to raise funds for education, healthcare and flood relief efforts. Their Twitter campaigns often trend, attracting widespread support.

7. Crossover to International Recognition

Pakistani actors who star in global projects or gain recognition abroad also create buzz on social media. For example, Sajal Aly, Ahad Raza Mir and Atif Aslam frequently trend when they bag international roles or awards. Arooj Aftab, a Pakistani-American singer won a Grammy Award, bringing massive international media attention to Pakistan’s music industry.

• Sajal Aly starred in the Hollywood film Mom alongside Bollywood actress Sridevi.
• Ahad Raza Mir appeared in the Netflix series Resident Evil, making him one of the few Pakistani actors to land a lead role in a global production.
• Humayun Saeed gained international attention for playing Dr. Hasnat Khan in Netflix’s The Crown.
•  Mahira Khan represented Pakistan at the Cannes Film Festival, where her pictures and interviews went viral.
• Mehwish Hayat received the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and later featured in a Hollywood project, making international headlines.
• Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Pakistan’s Oscar-winning filmmaker, is now directing a Star Wars movie, putting Pakistani talent on the global entertainment map.

 Differences between TikTok and Twitter trends

Here is a detailed table highlighting the differences between TikTok and Twitter trends for Pakistani celebrities:

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