Karachi: The Sindh government is making arrangements for the burial of famous comedian Omar Sharif at Abdullah Shah Ghazi Cemetery.
Sindh Information Minister Saeed Ghani said in a tweet that everyone is saddened by the demise of Omar Sharif and the Pakistan People’s Party has canceled its rally scheduled for Sunday (today). He said a son of the late comedian said that Omar Sharif wanted to be buried at Abdullah Shah Ghazi Cemetery and the provincial government was making arrangements in this regard.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Syed Aminul Haque visited Omar Sharif’s residence. He said that he is in touch with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to bring back the comedian’s body in 48 hours. He said that he would appeal to the government that his last rites should be performed at the state level itself.
Meanwhile, as news of Omar Sharif’s death in Germany surfaced on TV channels, condolence messages started pouring in on social and mainstream media.
PPP President Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that Omar Sharif took the art of comedy to new heights. He prayed that Almighty God grant patience and peace to his family.
Governor Sindh Imran Ismail, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Karachi Administrator Murtaza Wahab condoled the demise of the legendary comedian.
MQM-P convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui condoled and said that his party has declared a ‘day of mourning’ and suspended all organizational activities.
The Sindh chapter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf also declared three days of mourning while paying tribute to Omar Sharif.
talking dawn, writer Anwar Maqsood said, “A very good Sharif” [down to earth] The man is gone. He was the kind of person who made us happy. He shouldn’t have gone that far.”
Actor Humayun Saeed wrote on his Twitter account, “Deeply saddened to know about Omar Sharif sahab. He was undoubtedly the ultimate comic king. May Allah rest his soul. We will miss you Umar bhai.”
Pakistan Arts Council President Karachi Ahmed Shah said in a statement that Omar Sharif’s death is a great national loss. The entire governing body of the council is in shock after hearing the news of his demise.
Singer Ali Zafar wrote, “Irreparable loss for words on the passing away of the great Omar Sharif Sahab. May Allah give him the highest place in Paradise and give peace to his family.
Actor Faisal Qureshi said, “Heartbroken to hear the devastating news of our very own king of comedy Omar Sharif. He was a true gem in our industry and no less than a legend among us. May Allah give him the highest place in Paradise. Praying for his family in this difficult time.”
Published in Dawn, October 3, 2021