'Mosques converted into dance bars in Muslim region in China': Pakistani vlogger exposes reality of ‘ironclad’ friendship

What began as a routine travel vlog in China’s Xinjiang region has now triggered a heated debate online, especially among viewers in Pakistan and India. A Pakistani content creator visiting Kashgar, one of the most culturally significant cities for Uyghur Muslims, shared visuals that many social media users described as both surprising and unsettling.

The now-viral video shows the vlogger walking through the old quarters of Kashgar, a city known for its Islamic architecture, mosques, and centuries-old Uyghur traditions. In one part of the clip, he points towards a mosque-like structure where a woman was seen dancing on the first floor of a building while the main gates appear shut.

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“This is the mosque… and this girl is dancing here,” the vlogger says in the video, sounding visibly taken aback by the scene around him.

‘98% Muslims, but no public prayers’

As he continues exploring the streets, the Pakistani traveller claims that despite the overwhelming Muslim population in the area, public religious practices appear heavily restricted.

“You will find 98% Muslims in Kashgar, but they are not allowed to pray publicly,” he says while showing visuals of locked premises and tourist-heavy marketplaces.

The video quickly gained traction online because Kashgar has long been viewed as a historic centre of Uyghur Muslim culture in Xinjiang. The city once echoed with azaan from mosques spread across crowded lanes and traditional bazaars. Today, critics say many religious spaces have either been tightly regulated, converted into tourist attractions, or repurposed for cultural events.

Viral video sparks debate in Pakistan

The vlog has also reignited conversations in Pakistan about the country’s close ties with China. Islamabad and Beijing often describe their relationship as an “ironclad friendship” and an “all-weather partnership,” particularly due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), one of the flagship projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Over the years, Pakistan has largely defended China on international platforms over allegations related to Xinjiang. However, clips like these are now prompting uncomfortable discussions online, with many Pakistanis questioning whether economic partnerships should outweigh concerns about religious freedoms.

Several users on social media called the visuals “eye-opening,” while others argued that tourism-focused redevelopment has altered the identity of many historic neighbourhoods in Xinjiang.

China’s stand on Xinjiang policies

China has consistently defended its policies in Xinjiang, saying strict regulations are necessary to combat extremism, separatism, and terrorism. Beijing maintains that the region has seen improved economic growth, infrastructure development, and stability because of these measures.

Chinese authorities also frequently promote Xinjiang as a cultural tourism destination, showcasing traditional music, dance performances, and renovated heritage sites.

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However, international human rights organisations, researchers, and multiple foreign reports have repeatedly raised concerns over restrictions on religious practices in the region. Allegations have included limits on public prayers, surveillance, mosque demolitions or restructuring, and controls over Islamic customs.

Why the Kashgar video is drawing attention in India

The viral clip has found a particularly strong audience in India, where discussions around China’s policies in Xinjiang and Beijing’s strategic relationship with Pakistan often attract significant attention.

Many online users pointed out the irony of a Pakistani vlogger himself documenting scenes that critics of China have spoken about for years. Others said the video reflects how rapidly Kashgar’s cultural landscape has changed under state-controlled redevelopment.

The footage has once again brought focus to the broader debate surrounding identity, religion, tourism, and state control in one of China’s most sensitive regions.

While the authenticity and full context of every claim in the video remain part of online debate, the images from Kashgar have undeniably struck a chord across social media platforms in South Asia.