ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has condemned the reported treatment of veteran television actor Syed Mohammed Ahmed on the set of a drama serial, describing the incident as “highly deplorable” and calling for greater professionalism within Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
The minister also proposed launching a mentorship programme led by senior actors to guide and support emerging television artists.
Tarar calls for mentorship initiative
In a post shared on his official X account, Tarar said the reported incident underscored the need for stronger professional values and respect for senior artists.
“What happened with Muhammad Ahmed, senior TV artist on the set of a drama serial, is not only condemnable but highly deplorable.”
He suggested establishing a mentorship programme—or a council of senior television artists—headed by experienced performers such as Mohammed Ahmed to help train younger actors and promote a more respectful working environment.
Tarar added that he would convene a meeting with television artists to seek recommendations on the proposed initiative.
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Mohammed Ahmed’s podcast remarks
The minister’s comments came after Mohammed Ahmed, during a recent podcast, recalled an incident in which he alleged that a much younger lead actor mocked and humiliated him on a drama set.
According to Ahmed, the actor reminded others that he had once judged his acting skills before telling a producer he was “alright.” He also described another incident in which the actor allegedly took a portable fan from a fellow cast member, pretended to style his hair, and called others to watch.
What happend with Muhammad Ahmed saheb, Senior TV Artist on the set of a drama serial is not only condemnable but highly deplorable. I would like to offer a solution in the form of a mentorship program for young tv artists headed by senior tv artists like Ahmed sb or a council on…
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) July 30, 2026
Fahad Sheikh issues public apology
After videos circulating on social media allegedly linked actor Fahad Sheikh to the incident, he issued a public apology, saying that “half-baked stories” were being used to create a narrative.
Fahad said he had already apologised to Mohammed Ahmed before the controversy gained public attention.
“He is my senior. I am not ashamed to ask for his forgiveness publicly,” he wrote.
He added that if his earlier personal apology had not been sufficient, he wished to apologise again publicly and hoped the veteran actor would not hold any resentment, insisting he would never intentionally disrespect his seniors.
