Yasir Hussain uses Karachi drama set shooting to highlight poor treatment of production crews
Nine people were injured on Wednesday at a drama set in Karachi’s DHA after a guard opened fire after a disagreement over where the staff should eat.
The guard was identified as Gul Bhai, and a brief argument with the producer preceded the event, according to the Karachi police media cell.
Actor Yasir Hussain has used the incident to raise some valid points about the treatment of staff on sets.
“The guard didn’t shoot the actors or the producers at the shoot. But those poor workers that are working on set for Rs1,000 per day,” he said. “They’re not the ones sitting in the AC, and eat outside in the parking lot,” he explained.
“With the guard, the production house should also be punished. This ugly system should be punished,” he urged.
His comments highlight important criticism of the entertainment industry and the way it treats labour. Beyond the top billed cast, other workers for these productions aren't treated well despite also playing a major role in the project's success.
Hussain wants them to be given health insurance, which should be a must for all workers. Healthcare insurance should be a basic right for everyone employed in a country that doesn't provide free healthcare. The government should also push these employers to actually take care of their employees.
If giant production houses minting money off the backs of these labourers don’t value their lives or their wellbeing, the law must make them. We hope someone listens to Hussain and others like him start talking about the lesser recognised people behind Pakistan's movies and dramas.
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