Pakistan really doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to how we treat our veteran artists. In yet another harrowing story, veteran actress Samina Butt opened up about her struggles with poverty.
In an interview with UrduPoint, the Bao Train actress detailed the hardships in her life as no one supported her once she left her acting career.
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The famed Pakistan Television Network (PTV) actress started her career in the 80s and dedicated three decades of her life to art. However, when she had to step down due to health complications the industry never looked back.
Samina Butt shares her story
Samina Butt even talked about how as a single mother she never took a day off work. She talked about how artists in Lahore are suffering as the biz moved to Karachi.
“The industry shifted to Karachi, and downfall began. Everyone was there for the rise but no one was there for the fall.”
That isn’t the harshest of her woes.
Two of her children suffer from schizophrenia. As a heart patient and diabetic with no source of income, she opened up about how no one supports her, be it from the government or private sector.
“It breaks me to say the industry I am a part of, government bodies, like the Ministry of Culture and Information, there is nothing (safety net) for us to live the rest of our lives with dignity when we’re 50+ or faced with other problems.”
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She requested that the government establish a support system to allow veteran artists like her to live out the rest of their lives in peace. She even narrated these issues and potential solutions in letters to the Prime Minister and President.
It is truly heartbreaking that despite how many times her financial situation was highlighted on television in the past, no one has worked towards a solution. We hope someone is listening now.
Update: Punjab Govt responds
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has responded to Samina Butt’s plea and also announced a monthly stipend of Rs 1 lakh for her.
Actress Samina Butt, who is a veteran of Pakistani showbiz, shared her story on social media. As word of her plight reached the Chief Minister, he took immediate action.
The Chief Minister has already issued a cheque of Rs 1 lakh for the month of September and a monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000 is also being processed.
Usman Buzdar’s administration has also decided to provide financial help to needy artists through a program. The Government will support them and provide them with funds to fulfill their needs through an ‘Artist Service Card’. To make this process transparent, a biometric system will be used.
