Recently legendary comedian Umer Sharif got a health scare. A picture of the wheelchair-bound veteran was circulating online as fans prayed for his health.
Turns out the Bakra Qistoon Pe creator has been battling cancer for years now. After seeking treatment for the past few years, the veteran artist is appealing to the prime minister of Pakistan to help him with treatment.
Prior to being elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, was Imran Khan’s passion project. This is an international standard cancer treatment facility in Lahore, Pakistan. The hospital is largely famed for offering treatment at minimal and no payment for those that can’t afford it.
Umer Sharif pointed out how he has always helped Imran Khan with the fundraising of his cancer hospital. He has appealed to the PM to help him in this crucial time. The Buddha Ghar Pe actor asked that the PM facilitate his travel abroad for treatment as per the doctor’s advice.
Umer Sharif is considered one of the most revered comedians in the sub-continent started his career at the age of just 14. He began with theatre and became a household name in the golden era of the Pakistan Television Network.
He is famed across the border and even traveled across the sub-continent with his comedy theatre group.
Update
After the video of the comedian’s request went viral, Prime Minister Imran Khan took notice of the matter. According to Prime Minister of Pakistan’s spokesperson Shahbaz Gill, he will bring up the matter with the premier first thing tomorrow.
“The video filled my heart with sorrow because Umer Sharif has always made us laugh and we’ve always seen him laughing, chipper and spreading happiness. I pray that God gives him health, … First thing tomorrow morning I will personally relay his message to the Prime Minister, and I will personally contact the three countries and will try to arrange for treatment since even doctors have said that his ailment is complicated and the treatment for it is not possible in Pakistan.”
وزیراعظم کی ہدائیت پر وزیراعظم آفس ان سے رابطے میں ہے۔ بادامی صاحب سے صبح ہی بات ہو گئی ہے۔ جیسے ہی ہمیں بادامی صاحب سے درکار مزید معلومات ملتی ہیں اس پر فوری کام شروع کر دیا جائے گا۔ اور آپ کو اپ ڈیٹ رکھیں گے۔ https://t.co/7n5SaO9QBw
— Dr. Shahbaz GiLL (@SHABAZGIL) September 10, 2021
The comedian didn’t require financial assistance from the government, he just needs government support to travel to America, Germany, or Saudi Arabia, in the next 15-20 days.
According to Tribune, Shahbaz Gill explained that Germany and Saudia Arabia will be more viable options.
“We will contact the German and Saudi embassies in Pakistan, the benefit of which will be that these two countries are closer and that we may be able to do things faster. We will try with the US also, whichever country can facilitate our request, … Whatever the government can do, I will make sure to personally get Imran Khan’s instructions on this because Umer Sharif has can be a huge contributor to Pakistani media, as well as philanthropy. He was always ready to help with Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital.”