Ailing comic Umer Sharif flown to US for treatment

An air ambulance transporting renowned comedian Umer Sharif left the Karachi International Airport yesterday for the United States where he is to receive treatment.

Though the ambulance reached the Airport on Monday, its departure was delayed by a day as Umer’s health condition didn’t allow for his immediate travel. The veteran actor’s health required at least 12 hours to stabilise after undergoing a dialysis session.

Umer Sharif’s wife Zareen Ghazal accompanied him. In the US, renowned cardiologist Dr Tariq Shahab, who is also the husband of famous Pakistani film actress Reema Khan, will treat Sharif in Washington DC.

State support

Umer 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 enquire after the health of the artist 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 (Dh87,000) for arranging an air ambulance and other allied expenses.