Actor Zaher Alvi has shared an emotional tribute to his late wife, Ikra, on her birthday, reflecting on grief, regret and the challenge of moving forward while raising their only child, Riziq.
In a lengthy Facebook post, Alvi shared a photograph of himself with Ikra and opened up about the emptiness he feels in her absence, along with his efforts to rebuild his life and care for their son.
Alvi was previously named the prime accused in a case filed over allegations of abetting Ikra’s suicide. After serving time in custody, the actor is currently out on bail.
In his birthday message, Alvi wished Ikra well and reflected on how people are valued after their death. “You have proved once again that a dead person’s value is much greater than that of a living person,” he wrote.
He said that if Ikra were still alive, the three of them might have celebrated her birthday together by cutting a cake. He also used the occasion to apologise to her for certain things, adding that friends should be able to say sorry to one another.
The actor also addressed questions he has faced on social media about resuming everyday activities after his wife’s death.
He said he has continued eating, bathing, listening to music, smiling, attending shoots and sharing photographs online as he tries to return to a normal routine.
Alvi questioned why his life had not come to a standstill after Ikra’s death, and why he could still sing, post pictures and work to earn a living.
His post also described his responsibility to raise Riziq and provide his son with a good life.
He asked Ikra to forgive him if she felt hurt by his efforts to move forward. Despite expressing lingering resentment over her absence, he said she remained in his prayers and would continue to live on through their child.
“On my prayer mat, you are always among the first people I pray for,” he wrote, adding that he believed they would meet again someday.
Alvi ended the tribute by wishing Ikra peace wherever she might be and asking her to watch over him and, especially, their son, Riziq. He also urged people to pray for her departed soul.
Later Alvi deleted the post, after it drew negative reactions and online trolling.
