As tensions between Pakistan and India continue to escalate following the Pahalgam incident, YouTube has become a battleground of narratives — and the data is clear: the public is aligning with voices that prioritize Pakistan’s unity, stability, and national interest over political partisanship.
Leading this shift is veteran journalist Mansoor Ali Khan, whose channel received a staggering 22.3 million views in just the last nine days. With 1.98 million subscribers, Mansoor has firmly established himself as the top digital journalist during this volatile period. His reporting, focused on verified information, strategic developments, and national cohesion, has resonated deeply with viewers looking for clarity in chaos.
A Shift in Audience Preference
Following closely are digital creators who have also aligned themselves with the national interest. Makhdoom Shahab, once targeted by PTI supporters and subjected to organized smear campaigns, has experienced a dramatic rebound. With 2.11 million subscribers, Shahab’s pivot towards pro-state messaging — especially after the Pahalgam attack — has earned him 8.85 million views during the same period, making him the third most-watched political voice on YouTube in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Imran Riaz, previously regarded as a dominant pro-PTI voice with 5.76 million subscribers, has seen a sharp decline in engagement. Over the past nine days, his total views stand at 10.8 million — a notable drop from his former averages. Analysts point to his consistent promotion of PTI-centric narratives, institutional criticism, and unverified claims as reasons for waning credibility.
Decline of PTI-Affiliated Vloggers
A noticeable pattern is emerging: YouTubers perceived to be closely tied to the PTI narrative — such as Dr. Moeed Pirzada and Shahbaz Gill — are steadily losing ground. Moeed, who has 750,000 subscribers, managed only 2.87 million views in the past nine days, a sharp fall from his previous million-plus view counts. Gill, with 1.24 million subscribers, fared better with 7.74 million views, but still trails behind the top three.
In contrast to the pre-Pahalgam era, where party-driven messaging dominated the digital space, the current public mood strongly favors content that supports state integrity and avoids political sensationalism.
Rejecting Partisan Drama
The shift isn’t just statistical — it’s psychological. Viewers appear to be rejecting political drama in favor of unity and preparedness. One media strategist commented: “This is a moment when people want stability, not conspiracies. Mansoor and Shahab understood that — others didn’t.”
Even popular voices like Ahmad Noorani, with 161,000 subscribers, who once saw consistent support from PTI circles, are seeing reduced traction. His latest video barely crossed 76,000 views, and his total weekly views remain under 1 million.
A New Era of Digital Journalism
This transition signals the beginning of a new era in Pakistani digital journalism — one where loyalty to the country is favored over loyalty to personalities or political parties. The sudden and consistent rise in viewership for pro-state commentators highlights a growing public consensus: the people of Pakistan want truth, unity, and responsibility in times of national crisis.
As India continues to posture militarily and the region teeters on the edge, voices like Mansoor Ali Khan’s are not just informing — they are anchoring national resolve.
