Saheefa Jabbar calls out lack of professionalism in Pakistan's fashion industry

There are some major flaws in the business agreements made between designers/big brands and models in Pakistan.

29 Aug, 2019

It's no secret that models are exploited in Pakistan's fashion industry.

From long working hours, no concept of contracts, late payments to payments in "exposure", there are some major flaws in business agreements made between big brands and models.

A display of inconsideration towards models has been highlighted by Saheefa Jabbar Khattak who took to Instagram to share her story.

Without naming any names, she narrated an incident where she was locked in for a shoot by Brand A for 2 September; she was approached by another brand in that time but she declined the work as she had already committed her dates to the first brand.

She then gets a call from Brand A less than a week before the shoot to inform her that the shoot has been cancelled altogether.

"In our industry, we face such issues often but when one of the leading brands in the market don't own up to professionalism and commitment, I believe there is still a long way for all the models/actors and industry as a whole," she wrote.

"I won't be taking names of the brands as of now since I believe this should act as a gentle reminder to them that models/actors have their bread and butter based on this and they realize that."

Modelling has become a big business — it’s high time designers and models begin to act business-like.

Comments

Oz Aug 29, 2019 05:18pm

Saheefa has hit the nail on the spot. I have also come to the same conclusion that our people are lovely and helpful but professionalism is extinct in our culture. This is reflected in every field. Education, Banking, Health, Public Service and Tele media, our manpower just doesn't know what it means to be a good professional.

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TR Aug 29, 2019 05:40pm

I sincerely believe Models should form an association where they can discuss the professional problems they are facing and get guidance from members on how to overcome these problems. In addition this association can retain a counsel who can give legal advice to models that pertains to job related contracts and to provide guidance about their legal rights. Good luck and don’t let anyone discourage you.

Vikas Aug 29, 2019 06:36pm

Fashion industry? I think she should come up with the place and profession where professionalism is there. Now that would be news.

N_Saq Aug 29, 2019 06:39pm

Models should hire agents who should negotiate a contract with clients on their behalf. At least that is how things are done in the West, however, in the West law rules supreme and everyone knows you do not dare mess with the law, so companies have no choice but to abide by the contracts and there are severe penalties if you don't abide by the contract but sadly that is not the case in Pak where there are entities that consider themselves above the law because in Pak except for the poor no one gets punished.

Ehsan Aug 29, 2019 07:20pm

If we are to compete at international level, professionalism is a must.

Bhaijan Aug 29, 2019 07:25pm

Yeah ‘lack of professionalism ‘ is witness everything let alone the modeling. The ads elites often complain about late comings or excuses. I think both to blame clause is applicable. There’s a need of proper trade organization for modeling. We have in Pak a wonderful talent, and the talent smart models can have huge business not only from home but abroad too in the West.

Jehengir Khan Aug 29, 2019 10:16pm

She is right though......there is a lack of professionalism in every sector.....

Uzay Yazdani Aug 29, 2019 11:22pm

It is in her own self interest. She should start a union.

manzer Aug 30, 2019 05:36am

This problem can easily be solved by a legally binding contract stipulating a penalty for cancellation.