Comedy legend Tariq Jackson in dire financial trouble

Yesteryears actor appeals to Pakistani government for help as he suffers due to dearth of jobs

Pakistan’s veteran comedian Tariq Jackson who was once the pride and joy of our entertainment industry, is now facing tumultuous times due to the lack of work opportunities. With a looming financial crisis, the 90s PTV star is desperate to make ends meet but his efforts seem to be going in vain.

Tariq was once an eminent name in the world of Pakistani comedy as he frequently graced the screens of local TV channels, but with the dwindling possibilities of comedy jobs in Pakistan, the artist’s career experienced a steep decline. Tariq, due to a dearth of substantial opportunities since the past decade, now resides in a rented abode in Model Town.



The comedian’s career was flourishing during the golden years of Pakistani entertainment industry as he featured in numerous Lollywood flicks essaying the stereotypical comic role, and later performed at the Great Indian Laughter Challenge across the border. The artist, who also boasts the talent of mimicking sounds of twelve music instruments with his vocal chords, was invited to various countries to exhibit these talents. The comedy star who once worked alongside the legendary Moeen Akhtar, Dildar Perviz Bhatti is now grieving and pleading to the government to help him out.

The actor went on to share his struggles, resentments, and complaints against the state of affairs looming the industry. “I have no work since the past ten years and it has become impossible to sustain my family,” Tariq confessed to the Express Tribune. “I do labour work to make ends meet,” he informed.

“I served this country and earned it honour and fame, but since the entertainment industry hit a crisis, the condition of artists like myself has become miserable and no one has stood up to lend us support,” Tariq solemnly added.

PHOTO: FILE

“Governments in other countries support their actors and artists but sadly, no such policies are implemented in our country. I appeal to the government to take note of the deplorable agony of these talented stars that once made our entertainment industry proud,” he stated.

“Even though the film industry is reviving in our country, the sphere of comedy is still regressing. I believe comedy is an integral part of entertainment in films,” Tariq remarked. “The Indian film industry understands this as many Bollywood film-makers are now tapping on the genre of comedy,” he added.

“Contributions made by comedians such as Munawar Zarif, Saeed Khan Rangeela and Albaila have rendered some Lollywood films as super-hits. Even PTV had segments devoted to comedy shows, but all of that has changed now and there is no work left for us to do,” claimed the artist.



“I am not disappointed and still hopeful that this industry will think about me,” he says in despair. “But today I have no money to sustain myself. My fans know about my dismal state of affairs and often invite me to perform at their private parties and wedding functions and shower generous payments for my services but I feel embarrassed to take that money as once I was an acclaimed comedian and financial constraints were never a concern,” he concluded.

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