Govt announces Rs10 million aid for veteran Firdous Jamal

The government has announced Rs10 million aid for veteran star Firdous Jamal, reported Express.pk. It was recently announced that the renowned star had been diagnosed with cancer. 

The financial assistance cheque was given to his son, Hamza Firdous, by Adviser to Prime Minister on Political Affairs, National Heritage and Culture Division Engr Amir Muqam, at Firdous' residence. Thanking the government, the actor reportedly shared, "I am thankful to Shehbaz Sharif for this aid; I am thankful that the government paid heed to the artists. We are this nation's treasure."

The fraternity, too, thanked the government for its prompt response. Earlier, the news of Firdous' diagnosis was confirmed by his elder son in a social media post. He stated that the Mehboob actor will start treatment soon. Hamza, on Sunday, took to his Instagram and posted a picture with his father to share the unfortunate news. "My father is going through a cancer recovery treatment at Shaukat Khanum Hospital," he wrote. 

"I know… it's life! But nothing to worry about because we (his family) and you all (his dearest friends, work colleagues, fans, admirers, well-wishers) are here for him," he added. The Seerat actor assured that the odds are in Firdous's favour. "He became an actor against all odds. Here's to another battle but luckily the odds are in his favour. He will come out stronger," he wrote urging everyone to pray for his recovery.  "Please remember him and us in your prayers."

Firdous started acting with a Hindko drama Badnami Dey Toway in the mid-70s, and he has since then appeared in hundreds of television, stage and radio projects. Firdous was honoured with the Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 1986 for his notable achievements in showbiz.