Veteran actor Rashid Mahmood tearfully expressed frustration and helplessness after receiving an electricity bill of Rs45,368.

Rashid Mahmood, a respected figure in the entertainment industry, has served Pakistan with dedication and honesty throughout his career. However, recent years have been challenging for the senior actor, who has faced multiple health issues, including four heart attacks.

In his message, Mahmood questioned why he survived these attacks only to face such hardships in his later years.

"My bill for 701 units is Rs45,368. I am alive by the grace of Allah despite having had four heart attacks, but today I wonder why my Allah saved me. I have served this country with utmost honesty all my life. Billions were accumulated here because of our work, but for the past many years, there has been no work for us in Lahore," he lamented.

پاکستان کے مشہور معروف ااداکار راشد محمود بجلی کے بل پر سراپا احتجاج
آئین ہم انکی آواز جہاں جہاں تک ممکن پہنچائیں pic.twitter.com/szht1M3gkF
— Naseem Khaira (@Naseem_khera) June 28, 2024

Mahmood's video, which has gone viral, shows him visibly distraught as he prays for an end to his suffering. "My Holy Lord, I was born in the wrong country. We lived our lives in fear of God; is this our fault? My Lord, take me away; I do not want to live. I could have done a lot if I had gone abroad, but I didn’t go. My heart is broken; I am sick; I am starting to pray for death. I served this country all my life; if I had joined the thieves, I wouldn’t be crying out like this."

The actor's outburst sheds light on the plight of many Pakistanis who are grappling with exorbitant electricity bills amidst extreme heat and frequent load shedding. The cost of living has become unbearable for many, especially for those who are unemployed or retired.

Mahmood did not shy away from criticizing the authorities, accusing them of corruption and neglect. He highlighted the disparity in how resources are allocated, with politicians and influential figures seemingly benefiting while ordinary citizens suffer.
"All these parties are the same; they are doing everything for themselves, and no one is doing anything for the people," he added.