ISLAMABAD: While the ongoing sit-in of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) is thinning out by the day, DJ Asif Butt is as enthused as ever, even refusing to charge PTI for his services.

Butt’s talent and prowess for bringing crowds to fever pitch deserves appreciation; he is the one making calls for when to punctuate Chairman Imran Khan’s speeches with bursts of music.

“As a sound engineer, I was charging Rs35,000 per day until August 30. Since the clashes between police and PTI and Pakistan Awaami Tehreek workers, I refused to charge PTI anymore,” said Butt.

“Do you know why? It is because I am now part of the sit-in like any other supporter,” he declared.

DJ Butt no longer charges party management for sound services at the PTI sit-in

He explained that it is his association with PTI that shot him to fame and because of this he does not want to charge PTI for his services.

“I don’t mind working without any payment for PTI for the rest of my life but will of course charge other parties,” he quipped.

The sound equipment being used has also become less elaborate over time.

The show at the Constitution Avenue required 22 speakers, eight lights and six screens but now only eight speakers and eight lights are used.

DJ Butt clarified that while he is not being paid for his services, the PTI management is continuing to pay his staff.

“In the beginning, we needed 150 workers to operate the sound, generators, helpers, technicians and drivers but now the number has come down to 10,” he said.

He explained that the reduction in the amount of equipment and number of workers has automatically brought the cost down.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2014