Karachi, Pakistan — Renowned actress Mahira Khan has once again drawn attention to the lack of a structured royalty system in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, pointing out that while television channels earn substantial revenue from multiple streams, junior artists, supporting performers, and technicians often struggle to make ends meet. Speaking during a recent interview alongside her co-star Fahad Mustafa on Gup Shab With Vasay Chaudhry, Khan stressed that the current system leaves behind the backbone of the industry — those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. She acknowledged that lead actors may manage to survive financially, but many junior artists and crew members face serious hardship without any share in the long-term earnings of successful projects.
Key Highlights
- Mahira Khan calls for a fair royalty system to protect junior artists, supporting performers, and technicians in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
- She notes that TV channels benefit from multiple revenue streams while many workers remain financially insecure.
- Khan emphasises that even in established industries like Hollywood, royalties provide a baseline of protection for artists.
- The issue was previously raised by late veteran actress Naila Jaffery during her battle with cancer.
- Industry organisations exist on paper, but tangible progress on a functional royalty framework remains limited.
Mahira Khan’s candid remarks have reignited an important conversation about equity and respect within the Pakistani entertainment sector. She made it clear that her concern is not only for lead stars but especially for the many unsung contributors who make productions possible. “If channels earn so much money from multiple revenue streams, some of which even we are not aware of, artists like us still survive,” she said, gesturing toward Fahad Mustafa. “But then we hear stories about certain junior artists, support artists, technicians and crew and I feel that it is unfair.”
The actress referenced global practices where royalties provide ongoing income to artists long after a project airs, helping them during lean periods or health crises. She recalled how the late Naila Jaffery had highlighted the same issue years ago while facing financial difficulties during her illness, yet meaningful structural change has been slow to materialise.
Pakistan’s entertainment industry has grown significantly in recent years, producing popular dramas and films that reach millions at home and abroad. However, many voices within the sector continue to call for fairer revenue-sharing mechanisms that recognise the contributions of everyone involved — not just the lead cast.
Mahira Khan’s comments serve as a timely reminder that sustainable growth in the industry must include protecting the rights and livelihoods of all workers. As audiences continue to enjoy high-quality Pakistani content, there is growing hope that industry stakeholders, including broadcasters, producers, and artists’ collectives, will work together to establish a more equitable system that values every contribution and ensures no one is left behind.
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