Composite Illustration by Saad Arifi
Veteran Pakistani actors recall a time in the early ’90s when a single state-owned TV channel ruled the roost. Pakistan Television Network (PTV) wielded immense power as the main source of revenue for a burgeoning fraternity of actors, writers, directors, producers and technicians. At the same time, the channel was dependent on these artists for its content, and knowing this, a large contingent of them had decided to go on strike.
Their wages were far too minuscule, the artists had argued, and they wanted a raise. It’s remembered that PTV eventually complied, giving them raises but eliminating the royalties that they were paid for re-runs of their work.