No internet, no hardware, no studio. Simply a village known as Kotra, a cell phone camera, and an adamant refusal to give up. This is how one young man in rural Balochistan became the mastermind behind a digital empire watched by millions
JHAL MAGSI: Kotra is situated in Gandawah, in the very depths of the Jhal Magsi district of Balochistan a province which does not make much news in the national press, and is never mentioned in relation to Pakistan’s digital economy. And yet, it was in this province precisely that Imam Bakhsh digital stardom, which now boasts over three million subscribers on YouTube and over one million followers on TikTok.
Imam Bakhsh did not wait for the right opportunities to come to him. He created his own opportunities bit-by-bit in an environment where having access to the Internet could be a challenge itself.
From Video Games to Making Something That No One Had Done Before
Most people who make video games use a process of capturing their gameplay while talking about it. Imam Bakhsh broke this formula and made his videos with a combination of acting and comedy that was inspired by playing PUBG and other video games.
That is my intention because I want to make something that can amuse everyone and demonstrate the limitless possibilities of creativity,” he said while speaking to APP. This natural tendency of him turned out to be very successful for him because the popularity of his content crossed all the boundaries.
Obstacles People Don’t Talk About
Being a digital influencer from rural Balochistan entailed facing many battles that most creators living in urban areas don’t even know about. Some of those included poor internet connection, no professional equipment, and lack of any production studio.
No, he didn’t. “‘There were many obstacles, but each and every obstacle was a learning opportunity,’ he said.” This particular term — “we” — is very important here. His whole family turned out to be his whole production team. They shot the film, acted together with him, did all the editing; thus, a solo effort turned out to be a family business with growing audiences.
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How This Story is More Than Just Subscriber Numbers
According to Imam Bakhsh, his true victory is not in the numbers but in the messages that come from young viewers saying that his experience has inspired them to pursue their goals. “If my experience can make even one young man believe in himself, then that is enough for me,” he said.
His comments about the needs of gifted Pakistani youth in small towns have been quite forthright. Neither do they require any luck nor any connection. “They require nothing but confidence, guidance and the platform for self-expression,” he commented.
Recognition from the Nation
Imam Bakhsh’s creative efforts helped him win the title of Crowd Favourite Award at the 2026 gaming award show. This made him the creator of games that have been able to earn him true fans and not just temporary admirers. The tips he gives for being a creator are in accordance with his experience as well.
From the small village of Kotra to millions of viewers across the nation, Imam Bakhsh proved that creativity does not depend upon an urban location but only on persistence.
Nayab Fatima is a university graduate and an emerging media professional with a strong passion for journalism, research, and independent reporting. She specializes in developing well-researched, fact-based, and analytical news stories covering a wide range of sectors, with particular expertise in technology, telecommunications, aviation, and the automobile industry.
