TV host Nida Yasir has apologised for her “choice of words” after facing widespread criticism for accusing Foodpanda riders of lying to pocket extra cash and admitting she deliberately delays their deliveries to “teach them a lesson.”

During a new episode of her morning show, Nida opened with a clarification. “A few days ago, during my programme, I shared my personal experience with you, an experience that was not pleasant. But my mistake was my choice of words, the way I chose to retell that experience,” she said. 

She added that because her show is live, “we often aren’t careful about how we’re coming off.”

She then argued that she should have said “some people” instead of speaking broadly, as she insisted she never meant to target all riders.

“There are so many riders; in fact, the majority of the riders are working very hard to make ends meet. I am not sitting here to hurt anybody,” she said. 

“I carry my heart on my sleeve, but I am human, not an angel, and sometimes what is in our hearts may not always come out right.”

Addressing the riders directly, she concluded: “However many rider friends of mine were hurt, I want to apologise to them. I salute hardworking riders. I didn’t mean to make light of their struggles.”

Yasir had originally said she believes riders “make a habit” of pretending they have no change, so customers must pay extra. 

When she suspects this happens, she tells her driver to fetch change and makes the rider wait, knowing it will delay their next delivery. She said she does this to ensure they “learn a lesson.”

The controversy drew sharp criticism from fellow television host Fiza Ali, who openly condemned Yasir’s remarks.

Fiza highlighted the daily struggles riders face, noting they sacrifice sleep and comfort while risking their lives in harsh weather to deliver food. “Riders are not machines. They are humans with feelings and responsibilities,” she said, adding that while tipping is not compulsory, insulting someone is never acceptable.

She also pointed out that people easily spend 500 rupees on food but hesitate to offer even 20 rupees to riders. “Delivery may be late, but humanity should never be late,” she said.

Her comments became even more jarring after the FoodPanda app itself notified customers to keep the change ready when the rider arrives, clearly indicating that arranging change is the customer’s responsibility.