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Government assures support after comedian Umer Sharif asks PM Imran Khan to help with medical treatment

Government assures support after comedian Umer Sharif asks PM Imran Khan to help with medical treatment

Shahbaz Gill says govt will support his travel to Saudi Arabia, the US or Germany and try to help pay for the surgery.
Updated 10 Sep, 2021

Celebrated veteran comedian and actor Umer Sharif sent a video message to Prime Minister Imran Khan via a television talkshow, requesting the premier's assistance to receive urgent medical treatment.

Sharif's message was broadcast on the ARY News talk show 11th Hour hosted by Waseem Badami. "The doctor has told me that I need to go abroad to receive the best treatment," Sharif said in his message. "I helped in the making of Imran Khan's Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital. I request Prime Minister Imran Khan to come to my support just like I have come to his whenever he has called me."

Badami explained why Sharif is requesting the prime minister's support. "The main issue here is that doctors say Sharif needs to go abroad to receive treatment in the next 15 to 20 days," he said. "It's not that he needs to go abroad to get the best quality in treatment. The treatment for his ailment is only available abroad according to some of the best doctors in Pakistan.

"The treatment is found in only three countries; America, Germany and Saudi Arabia," Badami continued. "Because of Covid-19 restrictions, it's hard to make travel arrangements for a sudden trip. These arrangements can only be made on the basis of support from state institutions, not on the basis of an individual's own efforts which will only cause delay. The doctors have said it is imperative that [Sharif receives treatment] in the next two to three weeks."

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill was called on to the show to respond to Sharif's request. Gill expressed sorrow at the actor's predicament and assured that the government would help him.

"I'll personally relay Sharif's message to Prime Minister Imran Khan. We'll get in touch with the three countries as well. I'll make efforts to make arrangements for his treatment.

"We'll get in touch with the Saudi and German embassies first," Gill explained. "Since these countries are nearer to Pakistan, that will be an advantage. We'll also get in touch with the US. Whichever country agrees to facilitate us, we'll involve them [in Sharif's case]."

Gill also assured that the government will do whatever it can for Sharif in regards to paying for his treatment as well.

In 2017, pictures of Sharif in a hospital bed went viral on social media, starting rumours that Sharif was severely ill. In a comment to Images, Sharif's sister Khadija Mahmood had clarified that he was not suffering from a major sickness.

Sharif is a recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his contributions as comedian, actor and producer in the entertainment industry.

Comments

Shabnam Sep 10, 2021 03:23pm
A country of 230 million has pathetic medical facilities to say the least. Government hospitals are in a mess, a reality. But if you ask officials they will make tall claims which will make Everest or K2, look size of a peanut.
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Henchi Sep 10, 2021 03:32pm
Most probably he will be treated by a Pakistani doctor in one of the 3 countries mentioned.
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AZAM AKBAR Sep 10, 2021 03:43pm
Wishing him soon recovery.
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Ahmad Sep 10, 2021 03:46pm
Very good step by the government.
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CP Sep 10, 2021 04:19pm
Govt should ensure this is done. This person is a national treasure
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Farhan khan Sep 10, 2021 04:19pm
A very Good Decision by Government. May he fulfill their promise with sincerity.
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Ibrahim S Sep 10, 2021 04:29pm
Thank you PM IK for helping a citizen . What about respect of the country . Why there is a need to go abroad for better treatment . Can we bring our medical care to 21st century instead of private hospital breaking the bank of the middle class . Can we have one medical system for rich and poor alike - just like any other western country
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Gerry Dc Sep 10, 2021 04:36pm
Omar shareef the legand of our country needs supoort from the govt at this critical time. He has the honour of sharing his jokes and making million of people laugh which is a difficult task
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Jigar G Sep 10, 2021 04:46pm
Looking for a free vacation.
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Faisal Shaheen Sep 10, 2021 04:50pm
My favorite comedian, and he is pride of Pakistan, I really hope we do everything we can to help.
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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani Sep 10, 2021 04:59pm
Good news and good luck!
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Fast comment Sep 10, 2021 05:01pm
Get well soon .
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AsimQ Sep 10, 2021 05:03pm
Umar Sharif is a national icon and one of the funniest guys ever. However, government should not be incurring such expenses especially for people like Umar Sharif who has fared well when compared to the rest of the country.
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Dr Lowe, I.Q. Sep 10, 2021 05:12pm
Wishing him full recovery. Why is Shaukat Khanum hospital inadequate?
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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Sep 10, 2021 05:25pm
What a legend. I sincerely hope Umer Sharif sahab receives the required treatment. He is an asset. Get well soon. Prayers for quick recovery.
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LgbtqX Sep 10, 2021 05:25pm
It must be available to all the citizens of the country.
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Obaid Rahman Sep 10, 2021 05:26pm
Get well soon.
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Malik Sep 10, 2021 05:28pm
Umer Sharif is gem of Pakistan entertainment. He must be looked after by the Pakistan Government for his treatment.
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Saeeds Sep 10, 2021 05:41pm
Help him with travel permits and requirements but Why government pay his medical bills.
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M. Saeed Sep 10, 2021 05:44pm
Another "Sharif", seeking medical treatment abroad !
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Ch. S Sep 10, 2021 05:54pm
He tweets against Imran Khan on a daily basis. No way he'll be helped in anyway. A rich businessman-fan will need to step up.
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Dawee Sep 10, 2021 05:59pm
Umer Sharif is a legend
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M. Saeed Awan Sep 10, 2021 06:19pm
Both Umar Sharif and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan are of high stature in India as well. Sharif deserves all facilities. Thanks Govt
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Nasir S. Sep 10, 2021 06:25pm
Is this facility available to every citizen of Pakistan?
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Ehsan Sep 10, 2021 06:30pm
Wish him all the best. Btw what is this treatment that is available in Saudi Arabia but not in Pakistan
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Mansur Ul Haque Sep 10, 2021 06:52pm
We help important personalities and elites. Common man forget about help.
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Abdul Salam Sep 10, 2021 06:55pm
Get well soon legend!
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Atif Khan Sep 10, 2021 07:22pm
Well, for National Assets like Umer Sharif who have got Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, exceptions are OK
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mazhar Sep 10, 2021 07:23pm
He asked Imran Khan for help because he helped him, this is personal and help should come from Imran Khan and not from prime minister. These guys are very rich and they must be able to afford it, helping in visa etc will be helpful and necessary. Although i am sure suadi arabia and Germany will give him visa on humanitarian grounds.
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AZAM AKBAR Sep 10, 2021 07:30pm
Wishing him soon recovery.
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well-wisher Sep 10, 2021 07:41pm
Please act fast so Umer can receive treatment. Get well soon is our prayer.
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raj Sep 10, 2021 08:31pm
@AsimQ if Pakistan governments cannot provide proper national healthcare services then Umar Sharif or any other person should be supported
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David M Sep 10, 2021 08:37pm
@Nasir S. "Is this facility available to every citizen of Pakistan?" yes if you are as talented. Are you?
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M. Saeed Sep 10, 2021 08:49pm
Every Sharif in Pakistan is a special entity.
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WASEEM MALIK Sep 10, 2021 09:20pm
wishing him fast recovery but asking govt of Pakistan to send him USA for medical treatment is too much. At least $1000 per day is too much for poor country to afford. Pakistani docs are best as well.
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NACParis Sep 10, 2021 10:43pm
After having watched and enjoyed his shows over the years, I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Sep 10, 2021 10:50pm
Great move and excellent news. He fully deserves it.
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Anil Sep 10, 2021 11:05pm
He made us laugh with his comedy. Let us bring back smile and happiness in his life. Get well soon sir!!
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Captain Sep 10, 2021 11:23pm
He is a legend and we all pray for his speedy recovery.
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J Sep 11, 2021 12:58am
Why not to China ? Not good enough ?
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Imon Sep 11, 2021 02:21am
@Jigar G you're disgusting
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Qamar Ahmed Sep 11, 2021 11:31am
He earned a lot of money through his cheap comedy. Why should govt help him. The whole nation is suffering from health issues --- where is govt.
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Zak Sep 11, 2021 12:32pm
@Ibrahim S we can have 1st class medical facilities, regrettable people dont want to pay taxes and some support looters of the Pakistan
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Toni Sep 11, 2021 12:32pm
@Jigar G shame on you to say something like that
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Zak Sep 11, 2021 12:35pm
The goverment is for the people of Pakistan, and not for one individual. Umar sheriff can get his treatment done by himself and his family and friends.
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Huma Sep 11, 2021 06:42pm
Imagine a layman in similar condition , would not even have the means to appeal,. Good way to use his influence,. If Govt does not help him , opponents will get a new agenda to demean government, and if government helps him then is it fair to the people in a similar plight ? Thats the question
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Kaspar Sep 11, 2021 08:44pm
The whole report contains no detail of what ails Umer Sharif. If anyone knows what disease he is suffering from, please let us know!
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k k tiwari Sep 11, 2021 11:49pm
India is best option
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Saad Sep 12, 2021 02:48am
@Jigar G Kuch Sharam Karo.
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Yawar Sep 12, 2021 08:46am
@M. Saeed True, but this Sharif seems to be genuinely sick
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