“Keep quiet, keep working, and keep begging.”
Faizan Khawaja has revealed that delayed payments and financial uncertainty forced him to quit Pakistan’s entertainment industry after years of struggle.
In a heartfelt Instagram story, he expressed his frustration over not receiving payments on time, even after repeated follow-ups with production houses.
He said: “I had to repeatedly ask for the payment I had earned. That’s why I said goodbye to showbiz.”
Faizan’s statement came shortly after Mohammad Ahmed publicly criticised producers for failing to clear dues owed to actors and crew members.
According to Faizan, the problem is widespread, affecting him and many others who rely on acting to support their families.
He recalled that even during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, most production houses didn’t settle dues despite knowing artists were financially vulnerable.
He explained: “These cheques often came two years late. Sometimes they never came at all.”
Faizan shared that some payment cheques eventually became void due to excessive delays. That meant artists worked for free, with no legal recourse.
He cited the example of the late actress Humaira Asghar Ali, who also struggled with unpaid dues while dealing with financial and health problems.
Many actors, he said, live with the daily stress of not being able to pay rent or utility bills, yet keep working in silence.
Faizan described a toxic system where silence is survival:
“Keep quiet, keep working, and keep begging.”
His decision to leave television came after he felt that the emotional and financial toll outweighed the joy of creative expression.
Referring to Mohammad Ahmed’s recent remarks, Faizan said he wasn’t alone:
“Many actors leave because they can’t tolerate the humiliation. I’m one of them.”
He added that this kind of exploitation has become normalised, where artists are expected to work tirelessly without guarantees of timely compensation.
His honest confession was met with widespread support from fans, industry colleagues, and viewers who have long heard such stories behind the scenes.
Several social media users praised his courage for speaking out. Many said it was time for more actors to demand better protection.
Faizan Khawaja, who has worked in popular dramas and films, now hopes his story will lead to more accountability within the television industry.
He also stated that unless structural changes are made, more artists may be driven out by exploitation disguised as opportunity.
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