COVID-19: Pakistani celebrities who are battling the virus

Abrar Ul Haq: The Pakistani singer posted on May 31 that he had contracted the virus. “My corona test came positive, i am home quarantined, however, inshahallah, i will keep performing my duties through Skype as Red Crescent and Sahara worker. Please pray for me and all those fighting it,” he posted on Twitter. True to his word, Haq has diligently been trying to raise awareness about the virus along with appealing for blood donations for Thalassemia patients.

Sakina Samo: Earlier this month, news broke that actress Sakina Samo had contracted coronavirus. However, it didn’t take long for fake news about her death started to circulate on social media. An irate Samo finally took to Facebook to refute all rumours. “A so-called journalist was bugging me all day yesterday. I refused to take his call or reply to any message… I did not want to talk about my health and so on. Well, long story cut short I blocked him on WhatsApp. He kept calling and calling. And then this happened.” Samo further stated that she was following a two-week isolation to recover.

Amir Adnan: The Pakistani designer also took to Instagram to confirm that he tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month. “As soon as you detect any of the Covid symptoms, please isolate immediately and get tested. I took steam for 10 minutes followed with salt and hot water gargle six times a day. Drank hot green tea with ginger and honey at least 12 to 16 cups a day. Had 2.5 litres of water. Lit-C, 1000 CC twice daily, Surbex Z religiously everyday.” Aside from conducting breathing exercises, he also “stayed in one room for 21 days but washed clothes, made the room, cleaned bathroom and washed dishes and disinfected the area very day. This kept the virus contained in one room and protected others. Food was left outside my door and nothing left my room once it had entered.”

Maheen Khan: On June 13, designer Maheen Khan also took to social media to confirm that she too had contracted the virus. “Dear friends i tested positive for Covid-19 on the 8th of June… I am fever free today. Allah is kind.” We hear Khan is recovering at home. The designer gained global recognition last year when she dressed Kate Middleton during her royal visit to Pakistan.

Rubina Ashraf: Veteran Pakistani actress Rubina Ashraf is also recovering from the coronavirus at home, under quarantine. While news spread recently that the veteran actress was in critical condition and had been moved to the ICU, her daughter Minna Tariq rubbished the story and took to Instagram to clarify further, saying her mother was recovering well.

Vasay Chaudhry: The Pakistani comedian and ‘Jawani Phir Nahi Aani’ actor confirmed the news on Twitter as well. “I have tested positive for Covid-19 and self quarantining. I have no symptoms. My family tested negative. I have already notified people I have come in contact with recently to get themselves tested and self isolate, if need be,” he posted on June 8.

Shafaat Ali: The Pakistani TV host, stand-up comedian and actor also confirmed he had tested positive for the virus a day before Chaudhry. He confirmed he was experiencing mild symptoms and has been using his social media account since to spread awareness about the virus.

Naveed Raza: The actor not only contracted the virus this month, but also hit back at those who don’t believe it exists or call it one bog conspiracy. “If you have 2% love for your family or people around you STOP this "No corona exists party!" You have no idea how painful it is to have shortness of breath, congested chest, fever, muscle cramps, non-stop headaches, no sense of taste or smell, endless fatigue and tiredness,” he wrote on Twitter last week.