Faizan Khawaja Quits Showbiz Over Delayed Payments

Actor Faizan Khawaja has decided to leave Pakistan’s entertainment industry, blaming chronic payment delays and mistreatment for his departure.

In a candid Instagram story, Faizan explained that financial instability and the industry’s lack of accountability severely affected his well-being.

“I kept chasing payments I had already earned. That’s why I quit showbiz,” he said.

His statement followed veteran actor Mohammad Ahmed’s recent criticism of producers for not paying actors and crew on time.

Faizan highlighted how the issue affects countless artists supporting their families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many production houses failed to clear dues, even as actors faced financial hardship.

“These cheques arrived two years late—or not at all,” he added, noting that some became void, leaving artists unpaid and powerless.

He mentioned the late Humaira Asghar Ali, who reportedly endured similar struggles with unpaid dues during serious health issues.

“Many of us live under constant stress, unable to pay rent or bills, but keep working silently,” he said. “Stay quiet, keep working, and keep begging—that’s the system.”

Faizan called the decision to quit deeply emotional, saying that humiliation and financial uncertainty eventually outweighed any creative fulfillment.

“I’m not the only one. Many actors quit because they can’t take the exploitation anymore.”

Fans and fellow artists praised Faizan’s courage and called for urgent reform to protect entertainment professionals.

With credits in several notable dramas and films, Faizan now hopes his story sparks accountability in the industry.

“Without real structural changes,” he warned, “more artists will continue to be driven away by exploitation disguised as opportunity.”

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