Fiza Ali Criticises Nida Yasir Over Remarks About Delivery Riders

ISLAMABAD: Actor and television host Fiza Ali has spoken out against Nida Yasir’s recent on-air comments about food delivery riders, saying that while tipping is not mandatory, disrespecting workers is unacceptable.

In a detailed social media note, Fiza highlighted the daily struggles of delivery riders. She stressed that while customers simply place their orders and relax at home, riders sacrifice their comfort, sleep, and even personal safety to ensure timely deliveries.

“They ride through heavy rain, storms, and harsh weather just so our food reaches us,” she wrote, adding that many riders support entire households with a single motorcycle — their only source of income.

Fiza questioned whether people ever pause to think about the families waiting for these riders. “Some mother must be waiting for her son. A child must be hoping his father comes home early,” she said.

She also criticised the behaviour customers often display toward riders. “We get angry if we don’t get change, we misbehave if the order is delayed, and we argue over tips,” she wrote. While clarifying that tipping is voluntary, she emphasised that “insulting someone is absolutely wrong.”

Calling for kindness and basic humanity, Fiza said, “Riders are not machines. They are humans with feelings and responsibilities. If you show kindness today, Allah will help you in your difficult moments tomorrow.” She added that people often spend hundreds on food but hesitate to offer even a small amount of respect to riders. “Delivery may be late, but humanity should never be late,” she remarked.

Fiza concluded her message with a heartfelt appeal: “I hope my message reaches you all. Please take care of yourselves, and respect those who work hard for us every day.”

Background: Nida Yasir’s Remarks Spark Debate

The discussion began earlier this week on Good Morning Pakistan when host Nida Yasir, in a light conversational tone, criticised a common rider practice of not carrying change. Speaking with her guests, Nida said, “Food delivery riders never seem to have change. If you tip them out of your own will, that’s completely fine — but when they falsely claim they don’t have change, I always ask my driver to go and get it.”

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She added that when riders are made to wait and subsequently reach later deliveries late, “then they understand.” Her co-hosts, including Nadia Khan, responded with jokes and personal anecdotes, keeping the segment casual.

The exchange, however, sparked criticism online, with many viewers accusing Nida of being insensitive toward low-income workers — prompting responses such as Fiza Ali’s.