Pakistani actor and digital creator Khaqan Shahnawaz has sparked controversy by accusing popular singer Atif Aslam of copying ideas from smaller online creators for his Instagram videos without giving proper credit.
Speaking on the Pakiavellian podcast, Khaqan clarified that he holds no personal grudge but felt disappointed by Atif’s recent shift to humorous social-media content. “A content creator works hard to develop unique ideas — they deserve recognition if their work inspires others,” he said.
Shahnawaz claimed some of Atif’s videos resemble smaller creators’ work almost frame by frame. He added that while fans enjoy Atif’s lighter, entertaining side, digital creators can easily spot when content is borrowed.
Atif Aslam, who has been a leading voice in Pakistani music for over two decades, has not yet publicly responded to the allegations. Meanwhile, online discussions are divided, with some fans defending Atif, saying viral formats are often widely shared and not exclusive to any creator.
This debate highlights the growing tension between originality and trend-following in the digital content era, raising questions about credit and ethical practices in influencer culture.
