For the love of PTI

Published October 23, 2014

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

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...