Faizan Khawaja, a familiar face in Pakistan’s television and film scene, has officially stepped away from the entertainment industry, citing persistent issues of delayed payments and professional mistreatment. The actor made the announcement via a heartfelt Instagram story, exposing what he described as a deeply flawed system that has drained not just his finances but also his mental and emotional well-being.

“I kept chasing the money I had already earned,” Faizan wrote. “That’s when I knew it was time to walk away.”

His departure adds to growing concerns within the industry, echoing recent criticism by veteran actor Mohammad Ahmed, who also called out producers for routinely withholding payments from artists and crew members.

Faizan emphasized that his experience is far from isolated. He described a broken system in which actors are often left waiting months—or even years—for their rightful dues. Some cheques, he said, never arrive at all, while others arrive so late they become void before they can be cashed. According to him, such financial instability is not only unfair, but dangerous for artists who live paycheck to paycheck.

“Even during the pandemic, when everyone was already vulnerable, many producers didn’t bother to pay. And we kept working, kept hoping,” he shared.

He also referenced the late actress Humaira Asghar Ali as an example of someone who suffered through similar financial challenges during her final years, highlighting how widespread and devastating the issue truly is.

“This isn’t just about money—it’s about dignity,” Faizan said. “Many of us are stuck in a cycle of silence, shame, and survival. We’re told to stay quiet, keep working, and keep begging. That’s the norm.”

Calling his decision painful but necessary, Faizan revealed that the ongoing stress, humiliation, and instability eventually overpowered any passion he had for acting. He made it clear that his case reflects a larger, systemic failure—one that has driven many other artists out of the industry, often without a voice.

“I’m not the only one walking away,” he noted. “Others have left too—just without the chance to say why.”

His message resonated widely, sparking a wave of solidarity from fellow actors and fans alike. Many applauded his bravery and demanded industry-wide reform to protect performers from similar exploitation.

With a career that included notable roles in both television and film, Faizan now hopes that his exit serves as a wake-up call. His parting words were both a warning and a plea:

“If we don’t change the system, we will keep losing talent—not to competition, but to injustice disguised as opportunity.”