TV host Nida Yasir has issued a public apology after a clip from her morning show triggered a wave of criticism online, with viewers accusing her of being insensitive toward Foodpanda delivery riders.
Earlier this week, a segment from Good Morning Pakistan went viral in which Nida shared a story about delivery riders who, according to her, “pretend” they don’t have change. She went on to say that she sometimes keeps the rider waiting while her own driver goes out to get the exact amount — something she framed as “teaching them a lesson.”
The reaction was immediate and intense. Riders and viewers argued that her comments were dismissive of the daily struggles gig workers face, from long hours on bikes to traffic, weather, and personal safety. Many pointed out that the Foodpanda app already notifies customers to prepare change before the rider arrives — meaning the burden isn’t on the rider in the first place.
Facing mounting criticism, Nida opened a later episode of her show with an apology. She said her “choice of words” had been inappropriate and that she never intended to generalise or belittle all riders.
“I should have said ‘some people’. The majority of riders work extremely hard to support their families,” she said, adding that live broadcasts sometimes lead to careless phrasing. “I wear my heart on my sleeve, but I’m human. Sometimes what we mean doesn’t come out the right way.”
She also directly addressed delivery workers, saying, “To all the riders who felt hurt: I apologise. I respect your hard work and did not mean to make light of it.”
Still, the apology has drawn mixed reactions. Some viewers appreciated the clarification, while others argued the issue wasn’t just wording — it was the attitude behind it. Critics say that intentionally delaying a rider, especially one earning per order, reflects a broader insensitivity toward low-income workers.
The controversy has revived a recurring conversation on social media: what responsibility do public figures have when talking about people whose work is already undervalued? And how much weight should careless comments carry when they come from someone with a national platform?
For now, the debate continues — but the message from many riders remains clear: recognition and respect matter just as much as tips.
