Pakistani leaders, celebrities express grief over death of comedian Umer Sharif

Gulf Today Report

Pakistani politicians, fellow artists, celebrities, social activists and citizens mourned the death of Umer Sharif, who had entertained them all for decades.

Social media was flooded with condolences and outpourings of grief as well as tributes to a man many simply called "a legend."

The 66-year-old entertainer, who spread smiles across the country for decade, passed away in Germany on the way to the US for treatment on Saturday, his son said. Sharif was taken to the hospital on Wednesday after his health deteriorated during his flight to the US.

The comedian king was diagnosed with multiple ailments including coronary conditions.

President Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Bilawal Zardari on Saturday expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the death of renowned comedian 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.

President Arif Alvi

President Arif Alvi expressed grief over the death of the renowned comedian, saying that he had "a unique sense of humour." "Umer Sharif has made his mark in the world of comedy," he added.

Prime Minister Imran Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was saddened to learn of Sharif's passing. Taking to his Twitter account, he said that he had "the good fortune" of touring with the comedian to raise funds for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital. "He was one of our [greatest] entertainers and will be missed," he said.

Federal Minister Asad Umar

Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, expressing grief at Sharif's death, said a person who had a god-gifted ability to put smiles on the faces of people had passed away.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry

Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry also said that the person who always put smiles on the faces of people of all ages has passed away.

"The nation has paid an outstanding tribute to the artist, proving that we are a nation that loves art and artists," the information minister said. "Umer Sharif's name will be written in golden words in Pakistan's encyclopedia of comedic arts," he added.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed his grief at the demise of Sharif, recounting his contributions to the nation. He also went on to thank the deceased for re-defining comedy in Pakistan.

German Ambassador Bernhard

German ambassador to Pakistan, Bernhard Schlagheck, deemed Sharif's death "a tragic loss for the entertainment industry."

Indian actor and stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma expressed his profound grief and sorrow over the death of Pakistani star Umer Sharif, who passed away in Germany on Saturday.

The Kapil Sharma Show host turned to Twitter and shared a throwback photo of Umer Sharif with a heartbreaking farewell to the legend.

Shortly after the sad news of Umer Sharif’s death broke, fellow artists Mahira Khan, Saba Qamar, Mansha Pasha, Yumna Zaidi and other celebrities expressed grief and paid special tributes to the 'legend.'

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

The US Mission to Pakistan extends our deepest condolences to the family of veteran comedian #UmerSharif. May his memory live on through his comedy and the continued admiration of his fans.