Pakistani Stars Unite Against Late Payments

The Pakistani entertainment industry is under scrutiny as veteran actor Syed Mohammed Ahmed joins a growing chorus of professionals calling out the pervasive issue of delayed payments.

Known for his compelling performances in dramas like Sunn Mere Dil and Kuch Ankahi, Ahmed recently took to Instagram with a powerful video message, exposing the emotional and financial toll of chasing rightfully owed earnings.

“Except for one or two production houses, timely payments are unheard of,” Ahmed stated. “Waiting three to four months for your money is considered normal, and even then, you’re made to beg for it. They act like they’re doing you a favor by paying what’s yours.”

His candid remarks highlight the indignity faced by artists who endure long hours on set, only to face uncertainty about their compensation. “We’re forced to set aside our self-respect to get paid,” he added, emphasizing the necessity of money for survival in today’s world.

Ahmed’s comments echo those of director and producer Mehreen Jabbar, who recently addressed the issue on Gup Shup with Sheeba. Known for projects like Dobara Phir Se and Ek Jhooti Love Story, Jabbar described delayed payments as an industry norm.

“In the US, payment schedules are clear. Here, you’re left chasing your dues like a beggar,” she said. Jabbar pointed out that this issue affects everyone, from lead actors to crew members like spot boys and lighting technicians, who often face the brunt of the exploitation due to the lack of unions or regulations. “Crew members do the hardest work but are trapped in this cycle,” she noted, adding that brand-sponsored shoots or short-form content tend to operate more smoothly due to corporate oversight.

The issue is not new but has gained renewed attention as more industry figures speak out. Last December, Duniyapur co-stars Ramsha Khan and Khushhal Khan discussed the problem on BBC Asian Network. While grateful for the timely payments on their big-budget series, they acknowledged it was an exception. “It’s disrespectful to delay payments when we show up on time,” Khushhal said, while Ramsha added, “I have bills to pay!” She revealed her strategy of refusing to work on sets until her dues are cleared, but lamented the lack of industry unity. “If Khushhal and I take a stand, others won’t, so the problem persists,” she explained.

Veteran actress Nadia Afgan also weighed in during a Something Haute podcast, sharing that she maintains a “black book” of producers she refuses to work with due to unpaid dues, even from those she knows personally. Guided by advice from seniors like Samina Ahmed and Nauman Ijaz, Afgan has learned to demand timely payments. “They told me to raise my voice and not fear, because sustenance comes from God, not these producers,” she said. However, she acknowledged that newer actors often feel pressured to accept late payments as standard practice, perpetuating the cycle of exploitation.

The outcry from these prominent figures has reignited a long-overdue conversation about systemic issues in Pakistan’s booming entertainment industry. As viewership and production scale grow, the lack of respect for artists’ and crew members’ labor becomes increasingly glaring. The call for reform is clear: timely payments, fair treatment, and industry-wide unity are essential to ensure that those who power Pakistan’s entertainment landscape are valued and respected.