The controversy surrounding veteran actor Muhammad Ahmed has now reached the federal government, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar publicly condemning the incident and calling for meaningful reforms within Pakistan's television industry.
Taking to X, the minister described the reported treatment of the senior actor on the set of a drama serial as deeply troubling, saying the episode was not only condemnable but also highly deplorable. His statement comes as the debate over respect for veteran performers continues to dominate conversations across the entertainment industry.
Rather than limiting his response to criticism, Tarar suggested introducing a mentorship programme that would pair young television artists with experienced performers. He proposed that respected veterans, including Muhammad Ahmed, could guide the next generation of actors by sharing their professional experience and industry values.
The minister also floated the idea of establishing a council made up of senior television artists to help address concerns within the industry and strengthen professional conduct on drama sets. He added that he plans to convene a meeting with television artists to gather suggestions and discuss practical ways to move forward.
Tarar's remarks come shortly after actor Fahad Sheikh responded to the controversy surrounding a viral video that sparked widespread criticism online. The clip, which circulated extensively on social media, showed Sheikh holding a pocket-sized fan over Muhammad Ahmed's head while other cast members laughed during what appeared to be a light-hearted exchange on set.
