Pakistani actress Meera’s younger sister, Shaista Abbas, a qualified lawyer based in London, has died after a prolonged battle with cancer, the actress has confirmed. The loss has left Meera heartbroken, as she was unable to travel to Britain despite repeated visa appeals made on humanitarian grounds.
Speaking to a private television channel, Meera confirmed that Shaista passed away at a London hospital after battling the disease for several years. The actress voiced deep disappointment over the British authorities’ repeated refusal to grant her a visa to visit her ailing sister.
Health Declined Over Two Months in Hospital
According to another sister, Aksa Abbas, Shaista had been hospitalised for the past two months, while her health had remained fragile throughout the preceding year, during which she was repeatedly admitted to and discharged from hospital.
Long Immigration Dispute Kept Sisters Apart
Meera’s inability to visit her sister was tied to a prolonged immigration dispute with British authorities. In February 2025, she was handed a 10-year entry ban following an immigration incident at Heathrow Airport. Her family maintained that the matter arose from misunderstandings during questioning conducted in English.
Although the ban had expired, a subsequent visa application was reportedly refused after a travel agent submitted incorrect information, with British authorities citing false representations.
- February 2025: Meera receives a 10-year entry ban after an incident at Heathrow Airport.
- July 2025: The actress publicly appeals to British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott to consider her visa application on humanitarian grounds, noting her sister was undergoing cancer treatment in London.
- September 2026: As Shaista’s condition deteriorates, Meera renews her appeal, saying her sister was suffering from advanced-stage cancer and expressing her desperation to reunite with her family in London.
Final Appeals Came Too Late
Despite the repeated appeals, Meera could not reach Britain before Shaista’s death. Shaista Abbas will be laid to rest in London.
