ISLAMABAD - Former Interior Minister and PPP senior leader Senator A Rehman Malik visited Karachi here yesterday to express condolences to the family of Pakistan’s ‘King of Comedy’ Umer Sharif.
During his meeting with Jawad Umer, Rehman Malik said that Umer Sharif will be remembered forever for his services and excellent performance who through his art presented the soft image of Pakistan worldwide like an ambassador of Pakistan. Addressing mediamen outside late Umer Sharif’s residence, Malik said that he was in the house of a legend who received the title of ‘King of Comedy’ by the whole world whom he had met at Karachi University during student life.
He said that late Umer Sharif always highlighted and displayed basic issues of his country and common man through his art and performance. He said that he served Pakistan and its people and always brought smiles on their faces.
Malik said that Umer Sharif had launched a trust to construct a hospital to help the artists which is under construction. He said, “I appeal to philanthropists and other people to generously help Jawad Umer to fulfill dream of late Umer Sharif”. He assured his full support and cooperation to Jawad Umer in this regard.
Rehman Malik said that Sindh government tried its best and made all arrangements for his treatment in USA but everyone was helpless against will of Allah.
He said, “I will also like to demand Federal Government to assist Umer Sharif Foundation in completing work of the hospital and to honour him with highest civil award for his unmatched performance”.
To a question, Rehman Malik said that international community must help the people of Afghanistan. He said that international community should look into what is happening inside Afghanistan as there is complete unrest and there is a severe shortage of utilities.
Regarding Pakistan financial instability and constant inflation, he advised the government to make two slabs to give relief to the poor and to strengthen economy. To another question he said that PTI has always wanted and tried to form government in Sindh but PPP is strong and shall be stronger in other provinces as well and the next government will be of PPP
Umer Sharif’s son Jawad Umer thanked Senator Rehman Malik and said his father served the country and its people and his message has created awareness among the people of Pakistan. He said that his father was a true Pakistani and an ambassador who used to talk about Pakistan wherever he went. He appealed the people of Pakistan to help him in fulfilling his dream to complete the hospital Umer Sharif had launched.
Secretary General Palestine Foundation Dr Sabir Abu Maryam also accompanied Rehman Malik.