PESHAWAR: An Afghan diplomat visited Lady Reading Hospital here on Monday to inquire after the health of Pashto folk singer Zarsanga and convey the sentiments of her admirers in Afghanistan, who were shocked by violence against her.

Zardasht Shams, the deputy head of Afghan Mission in Pakistan, on behalf of Ambassador Dr Hazrat Umar Zakhilwal met with the folk singer Zarsanga and wished for her early recovery. He also extended financial and moral support to the frail and elderly singer lying on the bed with injuries on her face and hand.

“Zarsanga rules hearts of many people with her melodious voice. She had done great service to Pakhtun culture and music. We are here to show our support and wish for her early recovery,” the Afghan diplomat told journalists at the hospital. Zarsanga has received Presidential Award for her talent and represented Pakistan abroad on several occasions. She had been living for years as a nomad in a tent with her family when Syed Aqil Shah, the former provincial culture minister, promised to provide financial assistance to her for a house.

Zarsanga is living a life of poverty in Azakhel area in Nowshera district along with her husband, son and grand-children.

The images of Zarsanga, her husband and her young son lying injured in a shabby single hospital bed in Nowshera were shared on social media and drew criticism of the civil society about the way she was being treated. She was later shifted to Lady Reading Hospital for treatment.

“When we went to get help, we were denied treatment. Some people of Benazir (Pakistan People’s Party) helped us to get admitted for treatment. My other family members are still in Nowshera health facility,” said Zarsang, who could hardly speak while lying at the hospital.

She said that she and her family members were beaten up with sticks. Besides many of her admirers and sympathisers, former Afghan president Hamid Karzai and Afghan Ambassador in Pakistan Dr Hazrat Umar Zakhilwal also expressed their concerns over the incident and enquired after the health of the legendary singer.

Afghan ambassador also tweeted about sending his deputy to help her with her treatment and give her the much-needed financial support.

“Violence against Zarsanga has hurt many of her admirers in Afghanistan and let me tell you she has many there who love her voice. Such artists connect not only countries but the people through their talent. Zarsanga is one such artist, who has done great service to the people and the Pakhtun culture,” said the Afghan diplomat.

According to initial reports, Zarsanga and her family members were beaten up by some people with whom they had a monetary dispute.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2017