The media industry may seem glistening to a whole lot of us. We assume that everyone earns big money. But all that glitters is not gold. Amidst all the big names, there are still people who struggle to survive.
Mohammad Nasir was a cameraman for Geo News. He sustained a knee injury while covering a story on PIA’s privatization issue. Later he was diagnosed with cancer and, unfortunately, passed away.
Geo's cameraman&his ordeal not much talked about
M. Nasir
Monthly wage was17K & even reduced laterHis knee was injured while covering PIA's privatisation issue in NS tenure
Injury wasnt cured&later cancer was diagnosedSach Jan kar Geo
No Geo anchor is free to talk about ths pic.twitter.com/raEcU3yJDA— SadiaSattar (@RJSadiaSattar__) October 8, 2019
It was highlighted how a whole healthy person was reduced to mere skin and bones because he was not able to afford treatment.
For those of you wondering if he went to Shaukat Khannum Cancer Hospital (or if he was turned away from there), i dont have details. Sometimes #cancer treatment does not work. A person withers away but still needs good care. For that a hospice is an ideal place. That costs money.
— Jajja (@SumairaJajja) October 8, 2019
The heartbreaking part of all this is the family he has left behind. With their sole breadwinner gone, the family is suffering financially.
His son had to give up school because the family was not able to pay the fees due to the sad demise of the head of the family.
His son on the mercy of the brutal world was with him in the hospital who isn't going to school because dues weren't paid.
Meanwhile, those earning in millions on diff channels cant expose this behaviour and hypocrisy of a huge name in media fraternity . pic.twitter.com/1YRVDxLhW3
— SadiaSattar (@RJSadiaSattar__) October 8, 2019
Some people are pointing out the fact that if the company itself took notice at the right time, a lot of funds could have been raised for his treatment.
Very sad. Did you ever heard any voice from these so called media liberation army regarding these staff members.
They must have private insurance through the media group otherwise this media group should be responsible for all his treatment.— Muhammad (@master110) October 9, 2019
Been working in #PakMedia for over a decade, seen enough people struggling to make ends meet. There is huge disparity in salary structure, many media houses offer no health, occupational hazardas aplenty, many dont pay for months.Few tweets from big names could have helped Nasir.
— Jajja (@SumairaJajja) October 8, 2019
However, some people have stepped forward to help in whatever capacity they can.
I talked to his father in law. Anyone willing to assist the family in anyway can dm …
I'll share the details. @SumairaJajja https://t.co/owrQEDFlJs— SadiaSattar (@RJSadiaSattar__) October 10, 2019
It’s unfortunate that a large majority has to live on such low (if not lower) wages – so much so, that they cannot afford to bear the expenses for basic healthcare, let alone expensive treatments.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
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Cover image via @RJSadiaSattar__/ Twitter