Ghazal singer Gul Bahar Bano recovered from 'illegal confinement'

Step-brother denies allegations, states she had to be restricted to a room due to her mental health

LAHORE: The artist community across Pakistan is currently in a state of shock after discovering details regarding renowned singer Gul Bahar Bano's condition. The famed ghazal star was recovered from supposed illegal confinement by her step-brother, Ayaz Afzal in her family home.

Sources state that the singer was found by the Bahawalpur police on October 23, 2018. According to reports, Afzal had forcefully kept her in the house and tortured her due to matters regarding family property. Residents within the Khanqah Sharif village also provided that the legendary singer had been continuously abused by Afzal.

Police officials shared that a raid had been carried out, which is what led to the singer's recovery. "We raided the house and found Gul Bahar Bano after which, she was taken to the police station," a senior official told The Express Tribune.

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He continued,  "Initial investigations suggest that Gul Bahar Bano  returned to Khanqah Sharif, Bahawalpur from Gulshane Iqbal, Karachi to visit her parents and husband's graves. Her step-brother is her only close relative and thus, she had been residing with him." The source also disclosed that medical reports show Bano was suffering from schizophrenia and has been on medication for the last decade.

"Gul Bahar Bano was taken to Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital for brief treatment due to the trauma she had faced. However, she was moved back to her brother's residence after he presented her medical certificates," the insider further provided. "It is unclear whether there is a dispute between the two. She needs full-time care at the moment due to her current condition."

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Afzal denies having any issues with the star over family property. He states that she had to be restricted to a room due to her mental health. Therefore, as per police instructions, Bano was sent back to her step-brother's home.

It is pertinent to mention here that similar circumstances occurred with famous TV star Roohi, who claimed her sister forcefully had her stay in Lahore so as to take her property. Therefore, when news regarding Bano spread, the many artists came forward to express their concerns and also demanded the government to take notice of the matter.

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"This news has come as a shock to me and my fellow artists. We have witnessed Gul Bahar Bano at her peak so seeing her like this brings us immense pain," actor Shiba Butt stated. "It upsets me to see the stars of our past living in such horrible conditions - she should be brought back to a big city so she can be treated. The government should also provide their support and supervision after investigating the matter," she added.

Senior lyricist Altaf Bajwa also stated that associations should take notice of the situation. "I plan on visiting Bahawalpur, along with other community members, to find out the real reason behind Gul Bahar Bano's current condition. If we find her to be ill, we will request the government to move her to Lahore or Karachi for her treatment," he expressed.

The 70s saw the best of Bano, with ghazals such as Chahat Mein Kya Dunya Dari and songs like Kabhi Kabhi To garnering great praise and popularity. She began her singing career with Radio Bahawalpur and then moved to Karachi for better opportunities.

Edited by Ramsha Vistro

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