Model and actress Merub Ali’s recent photoshoot has gone viral on social media, marking her first public appearance on Instagram following the end of her engagement with singer Asim Azhar.
The former couple announced their separation earlier this week through an Instagram story posted by Azhar. The singer said the decision had been made after “a great deal of thought and reflection,” and described it as “mutual and respectful.”
“Merub and I have chosen to move forward on separate paths peacefully and mutually,” the Jo Tu Na Mila singer wrote. “While we shared meaningful moments and genuinely hoped for a future together, life sometimes takes its own course.”
He further requested privacy from fans, stating, “We have the utmost respect for each other and the families involved, and always will.”
Merub Ali, who gained recognition for her performances in popular television dramas such as Sinf e Aahan, Paristaan, Wabaal, and Faraar, became a household name following her engagement to Asim Azhar in March 2022. The engagement was celebrated in an intimate family ceremony and was widely covered on social media.
The pair’s relationship was in the public eye from the outset, following Asim Azhar’s much-publicised split from actress Hania Aamir. Fans often spotted the couple together at public events and on each other’s social media accounts.
In the aftermath of the announcement, Merub Ali shared a set of striking images from a brand shoot. The photos show the actress in a bronzed look and glamorous attire, prompting a wave of reactions online.
Many social media users have interpreted the shoot as a “glow-up” moment, with comments ranging from praise for her appearance to comparisons with Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai. One user remarked, “The glow is real,” while another noted, “You look effortlessly beautiful.”
The viral reception of the pictures reflects the intense public interest in the private lives of celebrities in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
Despite the breakup, both Merub and Asim have urged fans to respect their privacy during this transitional phase. Neither has commented further since the initial announcement.
The former couple had been engaged for over two years, during which they maintained a low profile regarding their relationship, often choosing to focus on their individual careers