After a long struggle of being stranded in Thailand, the team of Ishrat Made in China has returned to Pakistan. But it seems that their problems never ended. Actors Shamoon Abbasi and Sanam Saeed shed a light on the issue.
The entire cast and crew of Ishrat Made in China had been stuck in Thailand for over 20 days. The filming was wrapped up, but by that time the global pandemic had already created a havoc. This further led to a ban on international flights and a nationwide lockdown in Pakistan.
Actors Sanam Saeed, Shamoon Abbasi and Mohib Mirza appealed to the government and other authorities to arrange a special flight for them. And thankfully, they all landed safely this week.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B–P5GmgLxI/
Making Money is the First Priority
Upon arriving, they were moved to Ramada Hotel, Islamabad for quarantine purposes. At first, they were quite satisfied with how swiftly the situation was handled. However, the management of the hotel is now threatening them to pay more money or leave immediately.
Shamoon Abbasi came live and called out the hotel for extortion. He explained the whole scenario from their landing to staying at the hotel for two days.
He also shared a detailed post on his Facebook to update everyone on his return. The actor said that they paid a hefty amount of money for their ticket to Pakistan. They were told that it included their stay and food at the hotel as well.
However, when they arrived at the hotel, they were handed over a sheet of paper that stated that they would be taking care of their expenses themselves.
https://www.facebook.com/shamoon/posts/10156935840431712
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A Series of Misfortunes
One thing that is not clear is why they haven’t been tested yet. They were told that they would be staying at the hotel for only 24 hours as they will be immediately sent for a test. If the result comes out negative in the next 8 hours, they would be free to go home.
That apparently did not happen. They are still stuck at the hotel. They haven’t been tested yet and the hotel is asking them to pay for the whole week upfront. Not only that, but they are threatening the travelers that they have to pay the money immediately or they will be sent to Haji Camp and their baggage will be thrown out.
Apart from the team of five actors and the rest of the staff, there are other people as well, who barely managed to pay approx. Rs 112,000 for a one-way ticket each. Ramada hotel is illegally forcing them to arrange more money.
Sanam Saeed shared the same concerns in a series of tweets asking the Government to step in and explain the situation.
Updates after landing 14th night.
– exit plane in an organized fashion.
– Walk through thermal screening. Get luggage. -Wait in line to board a buss going where?
– Oh hotel Ramada. It's decent. Get disinfected with a spray machine and check in.
– test next day. So far so good.— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) April 16, 2020
– Hotel staff in protective suits checked us in one by one. Long but safe process.
– Appointed officials in suits patrol the corridors to ensure everyone stays in.
– Food is brought to the doors at PKR 1000 per meal.
– Not tested yet. Been told to wait another 6 days suddenly.— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) April 16, 2020
Day 2/3
– feeling very suffocated in a windowless room. Fresh air is necessary to purify the atmosphere and body.
– Suddenly, asked to pay upfront for the week last night or be packed off to Hajji Camp by 10pm till tested.
– Travellers were not prepared for these surprises.— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) April 16, 2020
Misinformed
– Travelers already stressed, nervous & financially exhausted after managing 2 weeks of lockdown abroad.
– PIA ticket back cost 111k each.
– Embassy assured people upon arrival the Govt will accommodate us free of cost while we wait 2 days for test & results.— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) April 16, 2020
Over all
– We understand the Govt is doing their best to manage the sitaution. But..
– Stranded travelers need be better informed of what to expect.
– Embassy must clearly state stay options and costs.
– People need to be mentally, physically and financially prepared.— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) April 16, 2020
A message
– the Govt needs us to do our part and follow instructions strictly.
– Deviant behavior causes the next batch trouble. Don't be selfish.
– @ndmapk@PTIofficial please ensure that appointmented officials provide better, accurate information instead of giving false hopes.— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) April 16, 2020
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well if you want to stay in a hotel then you ll have to pay for it.dont expect it to be done from tax payers money.I find it so distressing that mafias arent only in sugar/flour but it exists in every industry.you think coz you have access to media then you can use it in your favour.I have nothing to do with ramada but ashamed of ppl like you
Instead of bragging about the hotel you can simply pay them for their disturbance which they’re bearing in this pandemic or you could have not stayed there at the very first moment when you came back to Pakistan.. It’s already very clear in the instructions of government of Pakistan that anyone coming back to Pakistan from any country can either spend quarantine period in government facilities or they can spend that time in hotel of their choice but they have to bear the expenses
Why are you people acting like misery? What makes you different from rest of the people who pay for themselves? What are you bragging about?
Shame on govt who is asking for money from overseas to stay in hotel.. N our pm asking for help from them
This is a shame! Either someone in the govt messed up (unlikely as they managed to get u all back in the country) OR the hotel owners are trying to extort money. When people across the world are donating places to help victims and govt in Pak we are making money out of ppls miseries. Sorry not just for Sanam Saeed and Shamoon but also the other 300 people stranded with you.
Firstly all the so called Stars are not overseas. They went for a shoot abroad and we’re stuck due to Global pandemic. Hence no extra sympathies. Ramada is charing 3500 Rs. Per day since its “still” a hotel. For Actors like you guys, a sum of Rs. 3500 per day & a 1000 Rupee meal is too much !!! I am sure it’s far more lesser than your one day makeup. Why you ppl want this money to be paid by pakistani tax payers ?
Shameful and disgusting cries. Be sensible. You guys will only be tested after quarantine period. Grow up !