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

Investigative journalist and renowned TV host Iqrar ul Hassan showered praise on fellow television icon Fahad Mustafa, declaring that the energy and command Fahad brings to Jeeto Pakistan is something truly extraordinary and nearly impossible to replicate.

When asked how he would feel taking over the reins of Jeeto Pakistan, Iqrar didn’t mince words. “I honestly couldn’t do it the way Fahad does,” he said, acknowledging that the job demands far more than just reading cue cards and handing out prizes. “It’s not just a show. It’s a spectacle. And Fahad is the heartbeat of that stage.”

While Iqrar has carved his niche with the hard-hitting investigative series Sar-e-Aam, he believes that shows like Jeeto Pakistan require a completely different skill set something he says Fahad has mastered.

“He has wit, he has timing, and he has that magnetic stage presence,” Iqrar noted. “That energy he carries night after night? That’s no small feat. It’s exhausting, mentally and physically. And yet Fahad makes it look effortless, like it’s second nature.”

In his usual self-deprecating humor, Iqrar joked, “Even if a donkey gets a PhD, it’s still a donkey. I simply couldn’t match that vibe. That’s Fahad’s arena, and he owns it.”

But this wasn’t just about Fahad. Iqrar took a moment to highlight the beauty of specialization in Pakistani television. “Fahad can’t do Sar-e-Aam like me. And Waseem Badami? He was born to do 11th Hour. We all have our unique spaces and that’s what makes the industry thrive.”

Read more: Fahad Mustafa Celebrates One Year of Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum With A Tribute