ISLAMABAD - The death of iconic Farooq Qaiser, Pakistan’s pioneer puppeteer, was condoled by his large number of fans including President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan.
In his condolence message, President Dr. Arif Alvi said that with his passing, an important chapter of art in Pakistan has been closed.
He said late Farooq Qaiser had rendered invaluable services in the field of art and the conferment of Pride of Performance and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (national awards) were in fact a matter of honour for the state.
Separately, Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed his heartfelt condolences over the demise of the renowned artist and puppeteer. “He was not just a performer but would constantly raise awareness about social injustices and issues,” the premier said on Twitter in his condolence message.
He also conveyed his condolences and prayers for the bereaved family. Farooq Qaiser was the icon in the field of puppet performance. He started working with Pakistan Television (PTV) in 1976. He appeared on the national television show Kaliyan in 1976 with a well-known character of Uncle Sargam.
Uncle Sargam, who was a household name for Pakistani kids of the 80s & 90s, was born on October 31, 1945 in Lahore. He began his career as an artist after completing graduation from the National College of Arts in Lahore. He also received two postgraduate degrees, one in the graphic arts, and the other in mass communication from Romania and the United States, respectively.
Children’s show Kaliyan, Sargam Sargam, Daak Time, Sargam Time, and Putli Tamasha are popular TV shows of Farooq Qaiser. Uncle Sargam and Maasi Museebtay are regarded as Pakistan's legendary puppet duo.
Puppeteer, newspaper columnist, scriptwriter and television director Farooq Qaiser passed away due to a cardiac arrest on Friday last.
His death has shocked entertainment stars and his fans across the nation, with several members of the television and film fraternity coming forward with expressions of grief and messages of condolences for Qaiser’s family.
