Karachi: An air ambulance transporting ailing renowned comedian of Pakistan left the Karachi International Airport on Tuesday for the United States for treatment.
Though the ambulance reached the Airport on Monday, the departure got delayed by a day as Umer Sharif’s health status didn’t allow his immediate travel. The veteran actor required at least 12 hours to stabilise after dialysis was performed on him.
Umer Sharif’s wife Zareen Ghazal accompanied him. In the US, renowned cardiologist Dr Tariq Shahab, who is also husband of famous Pakistani film actress Reema Khan, will treat Sharif in Washington DC.
The renowned TV, film, and theatre personality was being treated at Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi. Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, and Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, came to the hospital to inquire after the health of the artists and assured full support on behalf of the federal government for his treatment anywhere in the world.
Later, the Sindh government expeditiously released Rs40 million for arranging an air ambulance and other allied expenses so that the actor’s treatment abroad could be ensured at the earliest. Sindh Culture Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah said that Sharif was an asset to the nation and that the nation wants to see him once again entertaining the people.
The United States Consulate General also ensured expeditious issuance of the visas to Sharif and his family.
The wife of the veteran actor released a video message from aboard the air ambulance. She appealed to the people to keep praying for the health and safety of Sharif.
The air ambulance is going to making at least one refuelling stop in Germany before reaching America.
