Pak govt announces Rs 50,000 per month aid for ailing Mehdi Hassan
17 Jul 2008, 1230 Hrs

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Lahore, July 17 (ANI): The Pakistan Government has announced Rs 50,000 per month life time assistance to ailing Ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan, and also promised jobs for his two grand children.

Announcing the aid for the legendary ghazal singer here last evening, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said that his services for the country would always be remembered, and that he has earned great name for Pakistan and the countrymen. The country was proud of him, he added.

The Prime Minister promised that he would talk to Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for promotion of his son Sajad Mehdi from the rank of Inspector of police to the rank of DSP, reported The News.

Mehdi Hassan started his career from Radio Pakistan in early 1950s and never looked back since. He virtually ruled the film industry as playback singer from up to late 1980s. Many of his movie-based ghazals have become classics. He has huge following in the sub-continent and across the world wherever Urdu is understood or spoken.

He has been off the limelight as he has not been keeping good health for the past many years.

Prime Minister Gilani prayed for his health, and directed the Sheikh Zaid hospital authorities to provide best medical treatment to the Singer and the government will bear all the expanses. (ANI)