In recent years, several Pakistani celebrities and social media influencers have found themselves at the centre of alleged MMS leaks, viral videos and deepfake scandals.
In many cases, the women involved have denied that the videos or images were genuine, saying they were fabricated or manipulated to damage their reputations.
The growing number of such cases has also raised concerns about privacy, online harassment, misuse of artificial intelligence and the rapid spread of unverified content on social media.
Among the names in connection with recent scandals are Alina Amir, Rajab Butt, Sumbal Malik, Minahil Malik, Samiya Hijab, Sajal Malik, Imsha Rehman, Kanwal Aftab and Mathira.
Mathira responds to alleged private videos
In November 2024, private videos allegedly involving Pakistani model and television host Mathira went viral on social media. Mathira rejected the videos, claiming they were deepfakes created using artificial intelligence.
She pointed out that the woman shown in the videos did not have the tattoos that she has in real life, using this as one of the reasons for questioning the authenticity of the clips.
The incident became another example of how manipulated content can quickly spread online and become associated with a public figure before its authenticity is established.
Kanwal Aftab targeted by alleged AI-generated content
During the same month, several alleged obscene pictures and clips purportedly involving TikTok star Kanwal Aftab circulated online.
The material was widely shared on social media, with some users initially treating it as genuine. However, other internet users claimed that the images appeared to have been generated or manipulated using artificial intelligence.
The actual facts surrounding the alleged MMS were not immediately confirmed. Kanwal did not publicly engage with the controversy and refrained from making posts about the alleged scandal.
As the images continued circulating, questions were raised about whether the content had been deliberately created to malign her.
Imsha Rehman speaks about the impact of the scandal
The year 2024 also saw a major privacy scandal involving TikTok star Imsha Rehman.
After disappearing from social media for months, Imsha returned and spoke about the personal impact of the alleged video scandal. She said the incident had severely affected her life, making it difficult for her to face people and continue her education.
She also said she had received death threats following the controversy.
Imsha urged social media users to consider the consequences of their actions before sharing such material. According to her, some Pakistani trolls treat making and sharing clips of others as something entertaining without considering the emotional and personal damage it can cause to the person involved.
Sajal Malik faces fake video controversy
In April 2025, TikTok star and host Sajal Malik became the target of another alleged video scandal.
A clip circulating online showed a woman resembling Sajal in an intimate situation with a man. The video reportedly spread across social media platforms and messaging groups, triggering speculation about the identity of the woman.
However, a closer examination of the circulated material suggested that the woman was not Sajal Malik and that the video had been shared with misleading captions.
Sajal reportedly denied any connection to the clip and lodged a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), saying that the video was fake and had nothing to do with her.
The case highlighted how misleading captions and false claims can turn unrelated or manipulated footage into a viral scandal involving a public figure.
Samiya Hijab controversy and allegations of blackmail
In May 2025, TikTok sensation Samiya Hijab became involved in another controversy surrounding alleged private videos, blackmail and extortion claims.
TikToker SK, who had previously made claims concerning a leaked video involving social media influencer Minahil Malik, made serious allegations against Samiya. SK claimed that Samiya had demanded money in connection with alleged intimate video calls involving a man who reportedly transferred more than Rs2 million.
The allegations added another layer to the wider debate over private videos, online blackmail and the exploitation of social media controversies.
Alina Amir targeted by viral video claims in 2026
In 2026, Pakistani TikTok star Alina Amir was targeted by another alleged video leak scandal.
Alina, who became known for her viral “Sarsarahat” clip, found herself at the centre of online speculation after claims about a supposed leaked private video began circulating on social media and appearing in search-related posts.
Several posts and clickbait thumbnails appeared to promise access to an alleged video. However, according to the information provided, the material was being used primarily to spread false claims and attract users.
Alina later spoke out and categorically denied the allegations, saying the video was fake and had been created using artificial intelligence to damage her reputation.
She said she had initially remained silent and observed the situation, but continued circulation of false posts eventually prompted her to respond publicly.
Not every viral video is what it appears to be
The cases involving Pakistani celebrities and influencers show a recurring pattern: an alleged private video or image begins circulating, social media users rapidly share it, and speculation grows before the authenticity of the material is established.
In several of the cases mentioned above, the women involved rejected the material as fake or AI-generated. Some also took legal action or reported the alleged content to authorities.
The growing availability of artificial intelligence tools has made it increasingly difficult for ordinary social media users to immediately determine whether an image or video is genuine, manipulated or completely fabricated.
At the same time, the speed at which content spreads can make a false allegation extremely difficult to contain once it becomes viral.
Debate over deliberate leaks
The issue has also sparked a different debate. Pakistani TikToker and model Erica Haq has spoken about viral video scandals and claimed that some social media personalities deliberately leak their own explicit videos to attract attention and increase their popularity.
According to the information provided, Erica said that some individuals may intentionally create and circulate inappropriate content in pursuit of fame and views. She described this as an occasional practice rather than something common among social media personalities.
Her comments have added another perspective to the debate, although allegations about any particular individual should not be treated as established fact without evidence.
What actually happened?
The common thread in these scandals is that viral claims often emerge before the facts are clear. Some of the celebrities named above have directly denied the authenticity of the material, describing it as fake or deepfake content, while other cases have involved allegations, misleading captions or claims that remain disputed.
What is clear from these incidents is that the viral circulation of private or allegedly private material can have serious consequences for the people targeted, regardless of whether the content is genuine.
Sharing, creating or deliberately spreading intimate material without consent is unethical and can cause lasting personal and professional harm. The rapid spread of AI-generated and manipulated content makes responsible behaviour on social media even more important.
Authorities should take stringent action against those who create, distribute or use fabricated or private material to harass, blackmail or defame others, while social media users should verify claims before sharing sensational content.
