Sindh Minister for culture Sardar Ali Shah has announced treatment for renowned actress Naila Jaffery at the government’s expense.
Naila Jaffery, who is suffering from ovarian cancer since 2016, had demanded royalties for the re-runs of her dramas to pay for cancer treatment.
However, Sardar Shah, in response, announced that his department would happily bear all her treatment expenses.
The actress had shared a video on social media in which she can be heard demanding financial help.
“For the last six years, I [have been bound] with hospitals, as well as illness and cancer. I also have not had my second round of chemo either because of persistent infection and during this time I have wondered, ‘what if the government lends a hand in this? What if they set up some policies for older people from the arts and sports sector?”
She further added, “When I initially joined PTV I would get royalties for re-run shows and while that amount was nowhere near enough, I still got something and liked having a stream of disposable income on the side. I have been confined to a hospital bed for six years now and while everyone has supported me, loved me, helped me, and motivated me I wish there was some way to gain royalties on some of my last re-run plays.”
“While I understand that it might not look like a lot to many people, for people like me who stopped working years ago, this support becomes important. I request and demand that something is done for senior artists in the future since it’s become harder and harder for us to manage,” Naila requested.
