London: Pakistani film actress Meera's younger sister, Shaista Abbas, has died in London following a prolonged illness, with the actress unable to visit her during treatment because of unresolved British visa complications.
Shaista, a qualified lawyer who had been living in Britain, died in a London hospital after battling cancer for several years, Meera confirmed to Geo News on November 9. Speaking from New York, the actress said she had repeatedly approached British authorities for permission to travel to London on humanitarian grounds as her sister's condition deteriorated.
Shaista leaves behind an infant daughter. According to the family, Meera intends to adopt the child, although no details of the proposed legal arrangements have been disclosed.
Family describes Shaista's final months
Meera's sister Aksa Abbas, who lives in Europe, told Geo News that Shaista had spent the past two months in hospital. She said Shaista had also undergone repeated hospital admissions during the preceding year as her health worsened.
During her treatment, Shaista was supported by Aksa, their mother Shafqat Zahra Bukhari and a brother who travelled from Pakistan. Meera, however, remained unable to join the family despite appeals to British immigration authorities.
The actress had publicly sought permission to travel to Britain in July 2025 and renewed her request in September 2026, when Shaista's condition became more serious. She said her intention was to spend time with her sister and support the family during treatment.
Meera's inability to travel has brought renewed attention to her history of visa difficulties with British authorities. According to a February 2025 Geo News report, the actress had previously faced a 10 year entry ban following an immigration incident at Heathrow Airport.
Her family maintained that the dispute arose from misunderstandings during questioning in English. Although the reported ban subsequently expired, a later visa application was refused after incorrect information was allegedly submitted by a travel agent.
British authorities reportedly cited false representations in the application.
In July 2025, Meera appealed to British High Commissioner Jane Marriott to reconsider her application, explaining that Shaista was receiving cancer treatment in London.
She repeated the appeal in September 2026, requesting humanitarian consideration as her sister's health declined. The precise grounds for the most recent visa decisions have not been independently established, and the supplied reports do not include a response from British immigration authorities.
Shaista's career and family background
Shaista had pursued a career in law after moving to Britain. In an interview with Geo News in February 2025, she described how Meera had supported the family financially following their father's death.
Shaista said she was six years old when their father died and that Meera, as the eldest sibling, assumed responsibility for supporting their mother and financing her siblings' education. She credited the actress with helping the family establish a home in London and supporting her decision to pursue legal studies.
Shaista initially studied business before switching to law and qualifying as a lawyer. She also had a connection to Pakistan's entertainment industry, having appeared in the television drama Seep. According to Shaista, Meera had encouraged her to consider an acting career in Pakistan, but she preferred to remain in Britain and practise law.
Funeral arrangements in London
Shaista's death follows months of public appeals by Meera, who had spoken about her sister's illness and the difficulties preventing a family reunion. The actress had also shared messages on social media expressing concern about Shaista's health and acknowledging her achievements.
The case has drawn attention to the difficulties families can face when immigration restrictions prevent travel during medical emergencies. While British immigration rules allow applicants to explain compassionate circumstances, such requests do not automatically result in permission to enter the country.
For Meera's family, the immediate concern is now Shaista's funeral and arrangements for her surviving daughter. Further details about the child's care and any adoption proceedings have not been announced.
