Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, who made the nation proud with his historic gold medal win in javelin at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has now come forward with a startling revelation. Despite being showered with grand promises and accolades, Arshad disclosed that some of the rewards, particularly the much-publicized residential plots never materialized. The athlete’s honest admission has again spotlighted the gap between words and action in the country’s treatment of its sports heroes.

In a recent media talk in London, Arshad Nadeem opened up about the aftermath of his Olympic triumph. “They showered me with announcements of rewards,” he said, adding, “If you look at the plots that were promised, they were all fake.”

While Arshad graciously acknowledged receiving the promised cash awards, including over PKR 300 million from the federal and provincial governments, he made it clear that the land plots touted by various bodies were nothing more than empty gestures. This revelation has left fans disheartened, raising questions about accountability and the sincerity of government and private institutions in supporting national athletes.

Despite the disillusionment, Arshad remains committed to his mission. “Right now, I am concentrating fully on myself because the targets ahead are very big,” he shared, indicating that his sights are set on future championships.

Yet, he hasn’t turned his back on the next generation. The Olympian revealed that he continues to mentor young Pakistani athletes when time allows. “Our youth come to us for training, and Alhamdulillah, we do train them,” he said.

Read more: Arshad Nadeem Refused Lucrative Offers for Pakistan

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