After Rohail Hyatt, Adnan Siddiqui makes a plea for singer Asad Abbas’s treatment

Pakistani singer Asad Abbas is fighting for his life and has turned to his fellow fraternity members, fans and the government to aid his kidney transplant. The Coke Studio singer requested his well-wishers to understand the situation he’s in and give him back the same love, if not more, that he gave to the country and its people.

“The man who used to tour the world is now begging for his life. I was a hero. I lived like one, and then I had to sell everything after my kidneys failed. I get dialysis four times a week. Please get my kidney transplant,” Abbas said in a statement, going viral on social media.

Director and actor Adnan Siddiqui, sharing his video on Instagram, vouched for the Mahi Gal singer’s tragic health journey. “Asad has graced our lives with his beautiful voice, capturing our hearts with his soulful performances and musical genius. Sadly, behind the curtain of his immense talent, he is today waging a personal battle that has left him in a state of extreme financial distress,” he wrote. 

Siddiqui urged fans and the government to come together to support an artist come out his financial burdens. “He is currently grappling with a critical kidney issue, which has not only taken a toll on his health but has also created significant financial burdens.It is in times like these that we, as a community, need to rally together and extend our support to someone who has given us countless moments of joy through his music. As an artist too, it is our responsibility to stand by fellow artists and help them during their times of need.”

He further appealed to people to contribute as much as they can to allow him to focus on his recovery and return to “creating beautiful music.”

Actor Imran Ashraf, who starred in Raqs-e-Bismil – a drama whose OST got Abbas famous, also took to the photo-sharing app to rally for him. Adding bank account details in his bio, he wrote, “Please watch video till the end and help him. I used to listen to him everyday. He’s in crisis now. Help him as much as you can in the name of God. I wish to see him performing again.”

Earlier this year, renowned composer and music producer Rohail Hyatt had made a plea on behalf of Abbas, who is still in dire need of financial assistance due to his ill-health. The performer, who was part of Coke Studio Season 6 (CS6), is undergoing dialysis “three to four times a week and 13 to 14 times a month,” because of double kidney failure.

Posting a message detailing Abbas’s condition, Hyatt took to Facebook to inform friends and fans, “The very talented folk singer Asad Abbas, who also appeared in season 6 of Coke Studio is in dire need of our support. To anyone who wishes to help him. Our thoughts and prayers are with him. Thank you”

The Express Tribune reached out to Abbas on the number shared in the post, which is a call for help. The CS singer, while struggling to speak, managed to share with the outlet, “I am undergoing dialysis, mujhe doctors ne jawab dediya hai (Doctors aren’t hopeful). They say I need to be shifted to America for treatment, just like Alamgir.”

He added, “I am in need of financial assistance and I would urge the government to provide me that. I have no car, and a family to support. I have been suffering from this ailment for seven years and now, both my kidneys have failed. They tried to do a kidney transplant earlier but it was unsuccessful. I have also been a singer for Mekaal Hasan Band, won a Lux Style Award, a Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and I have served my country as an artist for many years.” Abbas is now trying to raise Rs 50 million for his treatment in the USA.