Actor Majid Jahangir receives aid from Punjab government

Actor lost functioning body to paralysis last year and has since been knocking doors of different govt institutions

LAHORE: The Punjab government has finally responded to the plight of actor-comedian Majid Jahangir, who, for months, has been in dire need of financial help.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Majid confirmed he has received a cheque worth Rs0.5 million from the Punjab government. The actor lost a functioning body to paralysis last year and has since been knocking the doors of different government institutions, seeking financial support.

About two months ago, the Fifty Fifty star came to Lahore, requesting Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for help. He met different MPAs and even addressed a media conference at Lahore Press Club recently. “I am happy that Shahbaz finally considered my request and gave me money for my treatment,” he said. “I have struggled a lot for this and am satisfied now that someone has listened to me.”



In an earlier interview, he had had expressed his disappointment over government apathy. “I made this country laugh for 45 years and today, when I cannot even stand up straight, I am alone. I’d now rather beg on the streets,” Majid had said.

The Pride of Performance recipient is hopeful things will now change for the better. “I recently performed umrah and prayed a lot there,” said Jahangir. “I am an actor and cannot leave my profession. Surely, I will start working again after regaining my health. I request our government to listen to actors in hard circumstances as we spend our lives giving happiness to others,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that on behalf of the Sindh government, Sharmila Farooqi had previously handed Jahangir a cheque of Rs 0.4 million. Even President Mamnoon Hussain had approved Rs 0.3 million in his name. However, his costly treatment had left him strapped for cash.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th,  2016.

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