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.
