Senior Pakistani actress Abida Begum has made an emotional appeal to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, seeking assistance amid severe personal hardship.
In a viral video circulating on social media, the veteran actress can be seen in tears, urging the chief minister to hear her plea. Abida Begum rose to fame for her role as “Chandi” in the classic drama Sona Chandi, which earned her widespread recognition.
Speaking in the video, she said she had devoted 35 years of her life to the arts, while her late husband, Mirza Rashid Akhtar, worked in the industry for 40 years. She recalled that even during times of personal tragedy, including deaths in the family, they continued to fulfill their professional commitments.
However, she stated that she is now facing extreme distress. “A great injustice has been done to me. The roof over my head has been taken away,” she said, adding that she has two children and grandchildren to support. She explained that her financial situation does not allow her to afford rented accommodation.
Abida Begum also appealed to Punjab’s Information Minister Uzma Bukhari, requesting an opportunity to meet and present her case.
“My only asset was my house,” she said, urging Maryam Nawaz to extend support. Referring to the chief minister’s statement that “women are my red line,” she added, “I am an artist of this country. I have worked very hard. For God’s sake, please stand by me and help me.”
