PTI supporters in Pakistan have expressed strong disapproval of celebrities and social media influencers endorsing Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s initial hundred days in Punjab. The controversy ignited when celebrities like Saba Faisal, Ayesha Omer, Zhalay Sarhadi, Sanam Saeed, Saboor Aly, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Yasir Hussain, Areeba Habib, and others lauded specific government initiatives on social platforms, highlighting advancements in agriculture, healthcare, women’s rights, and minority empowerment.
PTI backers swiftly criticized celebrity endorsements as part of a “paid campaign,” alleging substantial payments exchanged hands. Notable figures like Abrar Hassan, a well-known vlogger, condemned the ethical implications, citing taxpayer burdens.
The backlash extended to YouTube personality Junaid Akram, whose supportive vlog for the Punjab government further divided public opinion. PTI supporters emphasized discrepancies between portrayed successes and the realities on the ground, urging followers to boycott the involved influencers.
Actor Bilal Qureshi intensified the controversy by revealing he was approached for a paid campaign, sharing a screenshot of the offer. He declined, stating he wouldn’t lie for money and would praise genuine accomplishments benefiting Pakistan without financial incentive.
Muzamil Hasan, a prominent PTI supporter on YouTube, underscored how the Punjab government’s social media strategy had backfired, revealing a disconnect with genuine public sentiment. Hasan emphasized that authenticity cannot purchased.
Some video critique also raises concerns about media integrity and transparency, advocating for journalistic accountability. It urges viewers to seek unbiased reporting from alternative media sources amid perceptions of government influence over mainstream channels.
