Spotify names Pakistani artist Afusic to Radar program 

A photograph posted by Spotify on July 18, 2025, shows Pakistani musician Affan Khan, popularly known as Afusic. (Instagram/@spotifypakistan)
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Updated 18 July 2025
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Spotify names Pakistani artist Afusic to Radar program 

  • Breakout single ‘Pal Pal’ tops 64 million streams as artist’s listenership surges
  • Spotify says Afusic’s audience has grown over 1,200 percent since April 2025

ISLAMABAD: Spotify has named rising Pakistani musician Afusic as its featured artist for the third quarter of 2025 under its global Radar program, spotlighting the viral star’s rapid ascent in the country’s evolving music scene.

Afusic — the stage name of Affan Khan — gained widespread recognition this year after his single “Pal Pal” went viral on the platform, amassing over 64 million streams. The song’s success has placed him among a new wave of artists reshaping Pakistan’s independent music landscape.

As the Pakistani music industry undergoes a digital transformation, platforms like Spotify have played a key role in spotlighting emerging talent and connecting local voices with global audiences.

“Spotify’s Radar Pakistan returns this quarter, spotlighting Afusic as its latest featured artist,” Pakistani agency Asiatic Public Relations said in a statement on Friday. “This milestone marks a significant moment in his rapidly rising career with his viral track ‘Pal Pal’ being featured on the Radar Pakistan playlist.”

According to Spotify data shared by the agency, Afusic’s audience has surged by more than 1,200 percent since April 2025, with his music landing on nearly 270,000 playlists globally.

Streams have spiked over 440,000 percent since the song debuted in the platform’s Fresh Finds Pakistan playlist in February.

“In the past 28 days alone, the demographic breakdown of his global audience reveals a strong connection with younger listeners — 60 percent male and 40 percent female — led by the 18–24 age group, followed closely by 25–34-year-olds,” the statement said.

Afusic called the Radar selection a “huge moment.”

“Radar is an incredible platform that shines a light on independent artists and helps us reach new audiences, while also giving fans a chance to connect with who we are beyond the music,” he said. “I’m truly grateful for the support Spotify has shown me — watching ‘Pal Pal’ grow from Fresh Finds to Hot Hits Pakistan shows just how powerful this journey can be.”

Afusic joins past Radar Pakistan alumni including Hasan Raheem, Taha G, Shae Gill, and Rovalio, all of whom have gained both domestic and international acclaim in recent years.


At least 13 civilians killed in Pakistan strikes in Afghanistan, UN says

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At least 13 civilians killed in Pakistan strikes in Afghanistan, UN says

  • Pakistan said it launched the strikes after blaming recent suicide attacks on militants operating from Afghan territory
  • The reported toll adds to fears of a renewed cycle of retaliation between the neighbors, threatening a fragile ceasefire

ISLAMABAD/KABUL: At least 13 civilians ‌were killed and seven injured in Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, the United Nations said on Monday, as cross-border tensions escalated following a string ​of suicide bombings in Pakistan.

The reported toll adds to fears of a renewed cycle of retaliation between the neighbors, threatening a fragile ceasefire along their 2,600-km (1,600-mile) frontier and further straining ties as both sides trade blame over militant violence.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it had received “credible reports” that overnight Pakistani airstrikes on February 21–22 killed at least 13 ‌civilians and injured ‌seven in the Behsud and Khogyani ​districts ‌of ⁠Nangarhar province.

Taliban ​spokesman Zabihullah ⁠Mujahid earlier reported dozens killed or wounded in the strikes, which also hit locations in Paktika province. Reuters could not independently verify the reported toll.

Pakistan said it launched the strikes after blaming recent suicide attacks, including during Ramadan, on militants operating from Afghan territory.

Pakistan’s information ministry in a post on X said ⁠the “intelligence-based” operation struck seven camps of the Pakistani Taliban ‌and Daesh (Islamic State) Khorasan Province ‌and that it had “conclusive evidence” the militant ​assaults on Pakistan were directed ‌by “Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers.”

Kabul has repeatedly denied allowing militants ‌to use Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan.

The strikes took place days after Kabul released three Pakistani soldiers in a Saudi-mediated exchange aimed at easing months of tensions along the border.

Afghanistan’s defense ministry condemned ‌the strikes and called them a violation of sovereignty and international law, saying an “appropriate and measured ⁠response will ⁠be taken at a suitable time.” The Afghan foreign ministry said it had summoned Pakistan’s ambassador.

In a statement on the February 21-22 strikes, Afghanistan’s education ministry said eight school students; five boys and three girls, were killed in Behsud in Nangarhar province, and one madrasa student injured in Barmal in Paktika province, adding that dozens of other civilians were killed or wounded and educational centers destroyed. Reuters could not independently verify the information.

The latest strikes follow months of clashes and repeated border closures ​that have disrupted trade ​and movement along the rugged frontier.