Wishes flow in for Abida Parveen

News of Abida Parveen’s ill-health raised concerns not just in the artistes’ community but also among politicians. Indian singers have also called the veteran singer’s family members to inquire about her state, reports Daily Express. Parveen suffered from a heart attack while performing at a musical event in Lahore on last Saturday.

The 56-year-old was shifted to a private hospital, where doctors performed an angioplasty on her. Her condition is now out of danger and she has been shifted to a private room from the intensive care unit.

Munni Begum

Abida Parveen is among a few names of Pakistan that have brought global recognition to the country. When my sister from Pakistan informed me about her heart attack, I called her daughter and brother but they could not be contacted. I’m so relieved to hear that she’s out of danger now. I pray she fully recovers and resumes her performances very soon.

Arshad Mahmood

It is sad how some people spread rumours of Abida Parveen’s death. Her fans are deeply hurt by this attitude. She is an asset for Pakistan. She is well and her family has requested everyone to pray for her early recovery.

Mehdi Hassan

Abida Parveen’s work is ununmatched when it comes to sufi music. Her versatility has earned a great name for Pakistan. I pray she gets well very soon.

Altaf Hussain, Founder Muttahida Qaumi Movement

Abida Parveen is a precious national asset and the pride of Pakistan.

Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Sindh Chief Minister

Abida had played a tremendous role in promoting Sufism and singing songs of sufi poets of the four provinces and mainstream poets. She has played a significant role in classical singing in the country and has promoted the message of Sindh’s great sufi poet, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, to the world. Her services in this regard are unforgettable.

Sassui Palijo, Sindh Culture Minister

The unique features of Abida Parveen’s voice transcended the borders of Sindh to the whole world, giving Pakistan a new identity. She has brought sufi thoughts to the public. Her illness has raised concerns among the lovers of music in Pakistani and abroad. I pray for her health and long life.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 1^st, 2010.