No Gimmicks, Just Grit
Digital sensation Areeka Haq has opened up about her journey to online stardom, firmly rejecting the idea that “couple videos” or fake associations played any role in her rise. With over 12 million followers on TikTok and more than 4 million on Instagram, Haq is now one of Pakistan’s most prominent digital creators — but insists her success comes from hard work, resilience, and strict personal boundaries.
In recent podcast interviews, the young influencer shared how early in her career she made a conscious decision to protect her personal life from the internet. “I decided from the start what to share and what to keep private,” Haq said, emphasizing that her online personality is just one part of who she is.
No to Fake Relationships, Yes to Authenticity
Areeka also spoke out against the trend of creators manufacturing “couple content” for views. “I wanted to succeed without using anyone’s name or creating fake relationships,” she explained, pointing out how her name was often unfairly linked to male TikTokers in the past.
She described feeling uncomfortable when others tried to boost their own visibility by associating with her. “People used my name for reach, and I hated that,” she added. Despite the pressure, Haq stayed true to her values — choosing authentic content over viral gimmicks.
Her career hit a rough patch after appearing in a music video with Asim Azhar, which led to online trolling and harsh criticism. At just 17, the backlash deeply affected her mental health. “I went into depression,” she admitted.
Support from Saba Qamar Made a Difference
In the midst of the negativity, Saba Qamar reached out with kind words and advice. “She called and guided me. I didn’t even go to therapy — she helped me that much,” Areeka recalled, crediting the veteran actor for helping her regain confidence.
With the support of her family and encouragement from senior artists, Areeka emerged stronger. Today, she sees online hate as a sign of others’ insecurities and believes that real success lies in staying grounded.
“I know my limits. My private life is not content,” she said, reinforcing her stance on keeping her personal space intact. Her fans continue to admire her integrity, honesty, and refusal to chase fame at any cost.
