Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif couldn't contain his laughter as stand-up comedian Syed Shafaat Ali took the stage during a ceremony honoring the Pakistan hockey team for their stellar performance in the 2024 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final.
Ali's uncanny mimicry of the Prime Minister left the audience in stitches, with even Premier Shehbaz himself bursting into laughter.
Addressing the gathering, PM Shehbaz praised the hockey team for their remarkable achievement, stating, "I would like to congratulate the Pakistan hockey team for making the nation proud at the international level. The resurgence of Pakistan hockey is a testament to your hard work and dedication."
In a light-hearted moment, the Prime Minister recalled a past encounter with Shafaat Ali, jokingly mentioning that he had been "injured" by the comedian's wit before, sparking laughter from the audience.
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Encouraged by the Prime Minister, Shafaat Ali graced the stage, admitting the challenge of mimicking the Premier live. However, with the Prime Minister's encouragement, he flawlessly replicated Shehbaz Sharif's voice and mannerisms, much to the delight of the crowd.
In a humorous twist, Ali, in the Prime Minister's voice, humorously directed Chairman Prime Minister Youth Program Rana Mashhood to ensure the induction of hockey players into various government departments within a week, or face the consequence of having to discuss other matters with him instead. The jest drew hearty laughter from the attendees.
PM Shehbaz also used the occasion to direct authorities to expedite the process of inducting hockey players into government institutes, highlighting his commitment to the revival of the sport in the country.
As a token of appreciation, cheques worth Rs1 million each were distributed among the members of the hockey team for their outstanding performance in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, marking a significant moment for Pakistani hockey after a 13-year wait for a final appearance in the prestigious tournament.
The event not only celebrated the achievements of the hockey team but also showcased the power of humor in bringing people together, with Shafaat Ali's mimicry adding an extra dose of entertainment to the proceedings.
