Spotify Pakistan has named Talha Anjum the most-streamed artist in the country for the last five consecutive years, a streak that signals a broader transformation in Pakistan’s music industry—where independent hip-hop has firmly entered the mainstream.

Just yesterday, Spotify Pakistan released the list of top artists in an Instagram post, showing Talha Anjum at the top, followed by Atif Aslam, Umair, Hasan Raheem, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Talhah Yunus, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Abdul Hannan, Maanu, and Asim Azhar.

As one half of the Young Stunners, alongside Talhah Yunus, Anjum has consistently delivered music that blends both sharp lyricism with themes of identity, ambition and social commentary. Over the years, he has delivered several standout tracks including Gumaan, Afsanay, Baaz, Downers at Dusk, and Laam. He also released his single 2AM in London this year.

The music-streaming platform released a rewind of the last five years, including a large artist community engagement for Pakistani musicians as well as streams of over 140 artists in the past year.

The statistics reveal that mainstream pop figures like Atif Aslam and musical icons including Nusrat and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan continued to command massive audiences, while Anjum represented a newer wave that thrives on digital platforms and youth-driven culture.

The platform also unveiled the top Pakistani tracks of the past five years, highlighting major hits including Jhol, Pal Pal, Wishes, Bikhra, Maand, Tu hai kahan, Iraaday, Kahani Suno, Nahi Milta, and Pasoori, all of which have played a key role in shaping Pakistan’s recent music landscape and global streaming presence.

Read more: “He Didn’t Let Us Move On!” Internet Loses It Over Talha Anjum’s Surprise Engagement

Pakistan’s cultural diplomacy was spotlighted in Beijing as singer Natasha Baig delivered a performance blending music, poetry, and national identity, highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between Islamabad and Beijing during a milestone year in bilateral ties.

Reflecting on the experience online, Baig described her return to China as both personal and symbolic. “Beijing, thank you for the love,” she wrote. “I felt honored to return for my second visit and perform at the Masters Cup Ballroom Dancing Beijing Open 2026.” More than a standard international set, Baig shared that she brought “a piece of my soul” to the stage through ‘Khushboo’, the title track of her album, which incorporates the celebrated poetry of Parveen Shakir—a deliberate choice to share Pakistan’s literary and musical heritage with a global audience.

“In the spirit of Pak–China friendship, I also sang ‘The Great China’ as a tribute to the warmth, respect, and love I’ve received here,” she added, framing the act as both artistic and diplomatic. Baig extended thanks to the event organizers, especially the CICCC Chairman and the Pakistani Ambassador, noting, “From Hunza to Beijing—letting music travel.”

Her appearance was part of a high-level Star Gala co-hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing and the China International Cultural Communication Centre, commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations. The event gathered diplomats, business leaders, media, and creatives from both countries.

In his address, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, emphasized that generations of leadership in both nations have nurtured a relationship built on mutual trust, respect, and support, stressing the ongoing importance of people-to-people ties and cultural exchange. Chinese officials, including CICCC Executive Chairman Long Yuxiang and Xiangjiang Group President Zhai Meiqing, echoed this, underscoring the role of cultural dialogue in strengthening mutual understanding and connectivity.

Baig’s bilingual performance in Urdu and Chinese stood out as a defining moment of the gala, adding a distinctive cultural layer to the celebrations. The event was one in a series marking 75 years of Pakistan–China diplomatic relations, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation into culture, media, and youth engagement. Through her fusion of poetry, music, and cross-cultural tribute, Baig illustrated how artists can actively contribute to soft diplomacy, reflecting a broader partnership that increasingly relies on cultural expression to reinforce a lasting strategic bond.

Read more: Natasha Baig Discusses The “Downfall” Of Nadia Khan’s Stardom

Bilal Maqsood has made his official return to music with the release of the romantic single, ‘O’re Saajna,’a heartfelt and notable comeback after a long hiatus. The project arrives with a distinctive music video inspired by his children’s puppet series, Pakkay Dost.

Prior to the drop, Maqsood previewed the track on Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes moments.

In a candid social media post, the artist reflected on his creative motivation: “Wanted to start making songs again. Thought I’d begin with one called ‘O’re Saajna.’ But honestly didn’t feel like doing the whole acting shaacting this time. So I figured, why not just become my own muppet instead?” He noted how effectively the puppet version of himself expressed the song’s emotional core.

Musically, ‘O’re Saajna’is a gentle, melodic ballad built around soft acoustic guitar lines—a sound that echoes the timeless style of his earlier work as a co-founder of the band Strings, known for classics like ‘Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar,’ ‘Sohniyae,’and ‘Anjaane.’

The video continues this nostalgic yet playful tone, following a muppet named “BM” as he reminisces about a lost love—also portrayed as a puppet—set against the scenic Karachi coastline and urban streets. The release also ties into Maqsood’s broader advocacy for the Urdu language, which he promotes through content aimed at younger audiences.

While many parents on social media have praised his educational work, Maqsood clarified that this song is meant to be enjoyed by adults as well, uniting his dual creative passions for music and Urdu in a single artistic expression.

Read more: Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia Reunite on Stage Four Years After Strings’ Split