Thank you for the memories: Pakistanis mourn the loss of 'Uncle Sargam' Farooq Qaiser

There are some characters which transcend time and are beloved to multiple generations. Uncle Sargam by Farooq Qaiser was one of them.

Qaiser passed away in Islamabad on Friday due to cardiac arrest. His grandson, Hasnain Qaiser Iqbal, said the performer had been suffering from a heart ailment for some time.

Qaiser, who was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz this year on Pakistan Day, is survived by three children, a son and two daughters.

Soon after the news of his demise, condolences poured in from many public figures who paid homage to the late artist's talent and the impact of his work.

Artists Fakhr-e-Alam, Shehzad Roy, Osman Khalid Butt were among those honoured his memory.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and other government officials expressed their sadness over the demise of Qaiser. The premier remembered him not just as a performer but as someone who "would constantly raise awareness about social injustices and issues".

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and Vice President Maryam Nawaz as well as the leadership of PPP credited him for spreading smiles among generations.

"Thank you for the beautiful, unforgettable childhood memories like Uncle Sargam," tweeted Maryam.

Columnist Nadeem Farooq Paracha called him "an unsung genius".

"Developed a puppet show for children on PTV in 1970s which evolved to became highly satirical. He created memorable characters, especially Uncle Sargam. One segment of the show was called, ‘Science bari ya bhense’ which mocked pseudoscience and quackery. RIP."

"I'm sure Maasi Museebaten must be weeping," wrote journalist Fahimeh Fifi Haroon.

Team Images along with countless other Pakistanis also bids farewell to this legend — thank you for the memories.