Federal government has approved one million rupees for the treatment of Mehdi Hassan, a singing legend, as he is bed ridden for a long time. Federal Minister for Sports and Culture Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan Jogezai would present a cheque to Mehdi Hassan in Karachi on Saturday (today).
The minister was also scheduled to meet Governor Balochistan Owais Ahamed Ghani and distribute Eid gifts among the children in Quetta jail. Mehdi Hassan is universally acclaimed as the first innovative Ghazal singer of all times. His popularity amongst the masses and continued success over five decades brings him at par with Noor Jehan and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. He has been a recipient of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, Pride of Performance and Hilal-i-Imtiaz.
Besides the Nigar Film and Graduate Awards, he was presented Saigal Award in Jalandhar, India, in 1979, whereas the Gorkha Dakshan Bahu Award was given to him in Nepal in 1983. Following his severe illness in the late 80s, Mehdi Hassan stopped playback singing. He now lives a secluded life in Karachi.