Unbearable loss: Veteran comedian Umer Sharif passes away

Veteran comedian Umer Sharif passed away in Germany, local media reported on Saturday. The renowned artist was travelling to the US for treatment. He was 66.

President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan Saturday expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the death of renowned comedian/actor Umer Sharif. The president and the prime minister, in their separate condolence messages, prayed for the departed soul and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss.

The president observed that late Sharif had earned distinction in the field of comedy and carved out a place for himself. The prime minister observed that Umer Sharif was a talented personality who enjoyed a distinct place in acting and comedy. His services in the relevant field would be remembered for long.

Taking to Twitter, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator and Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani said that the provincial government was making arrangements for Sharif’s burial at Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi cemetery as per his wishes.

Sharif’s body is likely to arrive in Karachi from Germany on Tuesday, sources told Express News.

His sons Jawad and Fawad are currently in the United States and will reach Germany later in the evening.

Sources further said necessary formalities will be completed by Monday due to weekly holiday on Sunday.

Soon after the news of his death broke, fellow artists and celebs took to social media and offered condolences to the family.

Cricketers also shared heartfelt condolences.

The United States Embassy in Islamabad also extended 'deepest condolences' to the bereaved family.

Sharif was supposed to travel to the United States for medical treatment through an air ambulance but was moved to a hospital in Germany after his health deteriorated.

The artist was due to travel to the US last week but he could not because of his deteriorating health condition. The federal and provincial governments were assisting in the medical treatment of the celebrated artist.

Sharif started his career as a stage actor in 1974 at the age of 14 and released his plays on audio cassettes for the first time in 1980. The artist was known as a TV, stage actor, film director. He became very popular not only in the country but also across the border as well. He has worked in showbiz for nearly 50 years and has performed in dozens of plays, stage theaters and live shows.

This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly