India Covid crisis: Pakistani celebrities extend prayers as India battles coronavirus

India Covid crisis: Pakistani celebrities extend prayers as India battles coronavirus

The newest wave of the coronavirus outbreak has worsened the situation in India as the healthcare system is buckling. Shortage of staff and oxygen supplies in hospitals has led the country to record highest number of deaths in a single day.

On Friday, India reported 332,730 new cases of coronavirus, setting a world record for a second day running. Deaths were numbered at 2,263 in 24 hours.

Amid the critical situation and continuous surge in cases, many Pakistani stars have come forward to show support with the neighbor country and encourage people not to lose hope.

Pakistani actress and host Sanam Baloch turned to her Twitter handle and shared a devastating clip from India. She wrote that India’s current situation is a warning for Pakistan to follow SOPs and an opportunity to plan ahead in times of crisis. "Please listen carefully. We should plan for Pakistan. We must learn from these countries. They have done a mistake, but we should plan for that in advance," she said.

Renowned TV and film actor Osman Khalid Butt expressed his deep concerns over the situation and asking people in Pakistan to be cautious and not use being vaccinated as a reason to be any less cautious.

He tweeted, "Gut-wrenching visuals from India - the Covid crisis is deepening. Sending prayers that the nation comes out of this. Please, everyone, mask up. Don't let the idea that we're vaccinated (or going to be soon) allow you to let your guard down. Observe all SOPs. Save lives.”

Author Fatima Bhutto shared a BBC documentary on what was happening in India, in order to spread awareness in Pakistan and urge people to be cautious.

Singer Momina Mustehsan encouraged Pakistan to set its differences with India aside and come to the aid of their neighbors in the time of crisis. "As cases in India soar to highest global daily and second highest in total, it is bound to put strain on resources. This is humanity vs the virus. Our battle against Covid is also intensifying, but can we share to help our neighbours?" she asked.

Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar posted a heartwarming tweet for India and said that we are all in it together.

Earlier, Faisal Edhi, the son of late philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi and chairman of the Edhi Foundation, penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offering help in managing the crisis in their country.