Ahsan Khan, a celebrated name in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, has recently found himself at the center of a heated social media storm. The actor and host, admired for his charm, was seen attending an event in the UK alongside renowned Indian lyricist Javed Akhtar and veteran actress Shabana Azmi. While the gathering was meant to highlight cultural ties and artistic unity, it instead stirred intense emotions across Pakistan, mainly due to Javed Akhtar’s previously controversial remarks about the country.

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Poet and writer Javed Akhtar with actor Ahsan Khan, celebrating art beyond boundaries at an event in the UK Parliament #AhsanKhan #ShabanaAzmi #LondonDiaries #BollywoodMeetsLollywood @azmishabana18 @khanahsanofficial

? original sound – Murtaza Ali Shah

During the UK event, Ahsan Khan emphasised the power of dialogue and togetherness. Speaking with sincerity, he expressed, “It’s time we all stand for peace—not politics.” He reiterated that artists should lead the charge in mending bridges, not burning them. However, many Pakistanis found it hard to overlook Javed Akhtar’s past comments, in which he accused Pakistan of harbouring hatred and supported aggressive posturing against it.

Social media quickly exploded with contrasting views; some fans praised Ahsan for showing maturity and choosing diplomacy over division. Others felt deeply disappointed, interpreting the actor’s presence with Akhtar as a betrayal of national sentiment.

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, users voiced their thoughts under trending hashtags like #AhsanKhan and #JavedAkhtar. Critics argued that sharing a stage with someone who has openly disrespected Pakistan was tone-deaf and insensitive, especially after recent Indo-Pak tensions nearly escalated into conflict. Supporters, however, reminded everyone that art often succeeds where politics fails—and that peace demands courage from both sides.

Read more: Ahsan Khan’s ‘Dayan’ Fee in Crores Sparks Buzz

Artists across Pakistan’s entertainment industry such as Syed Muhammad Ahmed are now speaking out against the chronic issue of delayed payments and its damaging impact on their livelihoods.

Veteran actor Syed Muhammad Ahmed openly criticized production houses in a social media video, saying they often make actors “beg like beggars” for their rightful earnings. “It used to be shameful to talk about payment issues, but more artists are breaking the silence now,” he said.

Ahmed explained how producers overwork actors late into the night, then delay payments by five to six months. “Actors must share personal hardships just to receive what they’re owed,” he added. “Payment delays have become a serious crisis—we must raise our voices.”

Actor Faizan Khawaja echoed this frustration, announcing his departure from the industry due to repeated mistreatment and financial instability. “I had to keep asking for my earned money. That’s why I quit,” he shared in an emotional Instagram story. He revealed that some cheques arrived two years late or became void altogether, forcing actors to work unpaid with no legal support.

Faizan also highlighted the case of late actress Humaira Asghar Ali, who reportedly endured similar financial struggles while battling illness. “Many artists suffer silently, unable to pay rent or bills, yet we’re told to keep quiet and keep working,” he said.

His revelation sparked a wave of support online, with fans and fellow artists applauding his honesty and demanding industry reforms. “If nothing changes, more actors will leave—driven out by exploitation disguised as opportunity,” Faizan warned.

Veteran director and producer Mehreen Jabbar also joined the conversation, calling the system “deeply flawed.” She emphasized that payment issues affect everyone, from stars to technicians. “In the U.S., payments are scheduled. Here, you chase them like beggars,” she said.

Jabbar pointed out that crew members suffer the most, working grueling hours without unions or protections. “They’re the backbone of productions, yet the most neglected,” she said. She added that only short-form or brand-sponsored content tends to avoid these problems, thanks to stricter oversight.

After more than three decades in the industry, Jabbar admitted it’s disheartening to still face the same challenges. “In some ways, things have gotten worse. There’s no real change—and I don’t know if there ever will be.”

Also Read: Faizan Khawaja Quits Showbiz Over Delayed Payments

Nida Yasir, the ever-popular host of Good Morning Pakistan, has once again found herself in the eye of a digital storm. While vacationing in Europe with her family, the TV star shared a sunny vlog from Monaco, where her charming outfit and vacation vibes were meant to steal the show. Instead, it was a makeup blunder that grabbed the internet’s attention and not in a flattering way.

In what was meant to be a relaxed and fashionable update from the French Riviera, Nida sported a rust-toned top paired with a flowing white skirt. But the intended chic aesthetic was overshadowed by harsh social media commentary, all focused on her lipstick application, which many claimed appeared exaggerated and outside her natural lip line.

The bright European sunlight didn’t do any favors, accentuating the overdrawn lips and highlighting a bit of dryness, turning a minor misstep into full-blown internet drama. Viewers across platforms like Instagram and TikTok were quick to weigh in, some with light jokes, others with unnecessary personal digs.

One particularly harsh comment went viral, with a user stating, “No matter how modern she tries to be, you can still tell she’s from Liaquatabad—that’s a stamp that won’t fade.” The remark highlighted the toxic standards and classist jabs often hurled at women in the public eye.

This isn’t new territory for Nida. From fashion choices to vacation posts, she’s frequently been a target of online trolling. A similar storm brewed back in 2019 when she showcased her shopping hauls on national TV, drawing criticism for being “out of touch.”

With over 2.6 million followers on Instagram, Nida Yasir is no stranger to public opinion—or its darker side. Through it all, she’s continued to embrace her style, her work, and her travels. Currently enjoying her European trip with husband Yasir Nawaz and their son Balaj, she seems unfazed by the noise.

Love her or critique her, Nida Yasir’s presence in Pakistani media remains firmly in place and it’ll take more than a lipstick smear to change that.

Read more: “Jannat Se Aagay Was My Story”: Nida Yasir