Back in the day, the only measure of a celebrity’s popularity was how well they performed in their respective fields. But with the dawn of the digital era, things have changed. These days, it is all about the number of followers on various social media platforms- Instagram in particular. Celebrities don’t exactly have to do a lot of projects for them to be considered popular; they just need to have a high fan following on Instagram. This is exactly the case with Pakistani celebrities. Some of them have been absent from the screen for a long time but their Instagram following has only increased. Following are the names of Pakistani celebrities with the highest number of followers on Instagram.
Ayeza Khan – 8M followers
Ayeza Khan was recently in the news for becoming the first Pakistani celebrity to reach the 8 million mark on Instagram. She started her career in 2011 and starred in several blockbuster dramas like Pyarey Afzal, Tum Kon Piya and Toh Dil Ka Kya Hua. She received critical acclaim for her performance as the “gold-digger” Mehwish in Mere Paas Tum Ho. Her marriage to fellow actor Danish Taimoor also contributed to her star power as both of them had a massive fan following. Ayeza Khan is collaborating with Turkish actress Gulsim Ali for a fashion photoshoot.
Aiman Khan- 7.9M followers
Aiman Khan started her career by appearing in supporting roles in dramas like Behadd, Digest Writer and Mann Mayal. Her career took off when she appeared in a negative role alongside Saboor Ali and Sameena Peerzada in ARY’s Bay Qusoor. Since then, she has appeared in numerous dramas as the main lead, including Baandi, Ishq Tamasha, Ghar Titli Ka Par, and won the audience with her performances. She is married to fellow actor Muneeb Butt, who also enjoys a 3M fan following on Instagram. Her twin sister Minal Khan also started her career along the same lines and has a massive fan following of 6.5M followers on Instagram.
Mahira Khan- 7M followers
After starting her career as a VJ, Mahira Khan made her debut in films in a supporting role in Shoaib Mansoor’s Bol. In the same year, she also made her drama debut by starring in Mehreen Jabbar’s Neeyat. Although critics had started taking note of her performances, it wasn’t until she starred in Sarmad Khoosat’s drama Humsafar opposite Fawad Khan when she amassed a massive fan following. Their fans immediately started shipping the actors because of how realistic their performances in the drama were. Since then, she has been a part of several super hit dramas and films including a Bollywood film Raees opposite Shahrukh Khan.
Sajal Ali- 6.9M followers
The versatile Sajal Aly started her career by doing minor roles in dramas like Nadaaniyan, Mastana Mahi, and Mere Qatil Mere Dildar. Her first lead role was in ARY’s Mehmoodabad Ki Malakian. Sajal’s breakthrough role was when she starred as Nanhi in GEO TV’s drama Nanhi, for which she received critical acclaim. Her dramas Chup Raho, Yakeen Ka Safar, O Rangreza, Aangan, Alif, and Yeh Dil Mera cemented her as one of the most talented actresses of Pakistan. Her fans started shipping her with her Yakeen Ka Safar co-star Ahad Raza Mir because of their sizzling chemistry. She then went on to marry Ahad in 2020. Sajal is also set to star in a Hollywood project ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’ alongside notable names like Emma Thompson and Lily James.
Mawra Hocane- 6.2M followers
Mawra Hocane was a theater artist and a VJ before turning to act for the camera. She started her career with dramas like Aahista Aahista, Ik Tamanna Lahasil Si, and Nikhar Gaye Gulab Saare. After appearing in a few dramas in the lead roles, she landed a role in a Bollywood film titled Sanam Teri Kasam. She then made her Pakistani film debut in Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2. Her performances in dramas like Sammi, Aangan, and Sabaat established her as one of the best actresses of Pakistan. She also owns a clothing line UxM with her sister, Urwa Hocane. Apart from her acting career, Mawra Hocane is a graduate of the University of London with a law degree.
Atif Aslam- 5.4M followers
Leading the men’s side of the highest number of followers on Instagram is Atif Aslam with more than 5 million followers. The singer-actor is a hit not just among the Pakistani audience, but worldwide too, especially in India. His song ‘Aadat’ remains one of the most iconic songs of Pakistan and to this date and fans cannot stop listening to it. Apart from working in the band ‘Jal’ and releasing solo albums, Atif also lent his voice for several Bollywood films including Zeher, Kalyug, and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. He is also a part of several seasons of Coke Studio. Although he has been a part of many reality shows, the only time he acted was in Shoaib Mansoor’s Bol.
Ali Zafar- 4.5M followers
Unlike Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar first started his career as an actor and then went on to become a singer. He worked in dramas like Kollege Jeans, Kanch Ke Par, and Landa Bazar. His first song was for the Pakistani film Shararat in 2003. During the same year, he released his first solo album called ‘Huqa Pani’. The album was a super hit, selling over 5,000,000 copies. After that, the actor has enjoyed success in both his acting and singing career. He started his career in Bollywood with the film Tere Bin Laden and then starred in many Bollywood films like Chasme Baddoor, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Total Siyapp, and Kill Dil. He made his debut in Lollywood films with Teefa In Trouble, opposite Maya Ali.
Imran Abbas- 4.3M followers
Often considered as one of the most handsome faces of Pakistan, Imran Abbas started his career as a model. He made his acting debut with Umrao Jaan Ada. Channels and directors immediately started taking note of his acting and good looks. It wasn’t long until he starred in several dramas in the lead role. Today, he is considered one of the best actors of Pakistan having worked in excellent dramas like Mera Naseeb, Khuda Aur Muhabbat, Akbari Asghari, and Tum Kon Piya. Although he is yet to make an appearance on the big screen in Lollywood, he has worked in various Bollywood films like Creature 3D, Jaanisaar, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.
Danish Taimoor- 3.9M followers
Danish Taimoor is one of those actors who didn’t reach heights of success overnight. He worked very hard to reach where he is today and it shows. He started his acting debut in the drama ‘Mystery Series’. After that, he appeared in multiple dramas like Noor Pur Ki Rani, Perfume Chowk, Raju Rocket, and Rehaai. His acting was especially appreciated in Ramadan’s special drama- Chaudvin Ka Chand. Since then, he has been a part of several successful dramas like Sannata, Ab Dekh Khuda Kya Karta Hai, and Deewangi. In 2014, he married fellow actress Ayeza Khan, which only enhanced their popularity. The actor has also been a part of a handful of films including Jalaibee, Wrong No., Mehrunisa V Lub U.
Humayun Saeed- 2.4M followers
With a career spanning over two decades, Humayun Saeed is truly what they call a superstar. From acting to producing, there isn’t a field Humayun hasn’t shown his mettle in. He started his career as a television producer. Unfortunately, it did not produce favorable results. He then decided to enter the world of showbiz as an actor and debuted with Farz Ek Qarz. Apart from debuting as an actor in the drama industry, he also entered the Lollywood industry with Intehar. He played the antagonist of the film and was appreciated for his acting. Since then, Humayun has appeared in many dramas and films- most of which proved to be blockbusters.
