Veteran actor and comedian Umer Sharif sent a video message for Prime Minister Imran Khan that was broadcasted on the popular show 11th Hour hosted by Waseem Badami. The actor requested the premier’s assistance to receive urgent medical treatment.
In the moving video message the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient said, “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 expounding on 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. The minister expressed his sincere condolences and ensured that the government will provide full support. “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,” said Mr. Gill. “We’ll get in touch with the Saudi and German embassies first,” Mr. 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.”
