President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led condolences over death of veteran Pakistani actor Muhammad Qavi Khan, who died of cancer in Canada on Sunday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Qavi Khan, 80, died of the prolonged illness and was in Canada for treatment, where he breathed his last.

According to the TV channel, sources in Qavi Khan’s family have said that the veteran actor will be laid to rest in Canada.

President Arif Alvi said “My condolences to the family and admirers of television and film actor Qavi Khan who was a performer par excellence.”

In a message posted on Twitter, Arif said prayed may his soul rest in peace.

https://twitter.com/ArifAlvi/status/1632466876516245506

In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Qavi Khan.

The prime minister termed the death of Qavi Khan an irreparable loss for the field of art. He said the Pride of Performance and Sitara-i-Imtiaz medals were recognition of his artistic abilities, at the state level.

Qavi Khan started his career as a child artist at Radio Peshawar which showed his natural talent. His acting performance in "Lakhon Maen Teen" and "Andhera Ujala" were still alive in the hearts of people, Shehbaz Sharif added.

He prayed Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss.

PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan also expressed his condolences, saying “Saddened to learn of the passing of famous actor Qavi Khan. My prayers & condolences go to his family.

https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1632467248030834689

In a statement, Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of the veteran actor.

Mohsin Naqvi extended heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family. He said the golden age of acting has ended with the death of Qavi Khan.

Qavi Khan had given a new dimension to TV dramas with his versatile acting, the CM said and added his fans still remember his memorable plays.

The chief minster said Qavi Khan’s services for the promotion of art and culture will always be remembered.
Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb has also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of veteran actor Qavi Khan.

Hailing from Peshawar, Qavi Khan's riveting performance as Ghalib at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) or his acting in the PTV drama Koi Na Adda Sanj Mila are testaments to his decades-long career. Besides television and theatre, he continuously showcased his artistic ability in films and radio as well.

Qavi started his career at a young age at Radio Pakistan Peshawar. From there, he rose to stardom on television and came to Lahore. Launching his career on PTV and in films in 1964, he was one of the few actors who witnessed the decline of the film industry up close.

Qavi Khan got married in 1968 and had four children—all of whom, instead of following in his footsteps, decided to settle abroad. He travelled the world but found himself bound to his country.

He acted in countless dramas, including Andhera Ujala, Fishar, Lahore Gate, Mutthi Bhar Mitti, Betiyan, Cinderella, and Dure Shahwar. He also carved out a special place for himself in Pakistani films, with movies like Muhabbat Zindagi Hai, Chand Suraj, Sarfrosh, Kalay Chor, Zameen Aasman, and Pari.

Ultimately, after a long acting career in television, theatre, and films, he landed in the director’s chair. He became obsessed with the idea of making films. But it was a business beyond his creative talent. He was too simple a man for the devious ways of distributors and exhibitors. He lost a great deal of money in this enterprise.

On the work front, Qavi Khan was last seen in Fizza Ali Meerza and Nabeel Qureshi's Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad which also starred superstars Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa. On the small screen, his last project was Urwa Hocane and Ali Rehman Khan's Meri Shehzadi. Qavi Khan essayed Hocane's grandfather on the show. However, he then left the project due to his failing health.

For his invaluable contributions to the industry, Qavi Khan was honoured with numerous awards and accolades, including the presidential award, Pride of Performance, for his outstanding performance, Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the LSA lifetime achievement award, and three Nigar awards. Khan gave the industry his identity, place, and precious memories.

The death of Qavi Khan has created a void that cannot be filled, senior theatre producer Qaiser Javed said while commenting on the death of the veteran actor.

Arts councils have announced holding condolence references in memory of Qavi Khan.