Pakistani television star Arij Fatima, best known for her roles in popular drama serials such as Hassad, Aik Pal, Aap Kay Liey, Ishq Parast, and Humnasheen, has revealed that she recently fought and survived a rare, aggressive form of cancer.
The actress, who left the entertainment industry in 2019 following the success of Hassad, married Dr. Ozair Ali in 2017 and is now the mother of two sons. Arij, whose full name is Arij Fatima Jafri, resides in Holland, a village in the U.S. state of Ohio, where she settled with her husband and children. Alongside her family life, she remains active as a digital creator and influencer, with 1.6 million Instagram followers.
In a heartfelt statement, Arij shared that she had been diagnosed with choriocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that can develop after a molar pregnancy. “My life was going perfectly fine. I used to think that I would live long. I used to delay my prayers, until one day I was diagnosed with Choriocarcinoma — an aggressive form of cancer that spreads quickly. This rare cancer can develop after a molar pregnancy. I thought my life would go smoothly, but that wasn’t the case,” she said.
Reflecting on her struggle, she revealed the emotional toll the illness took. “The last four months have been very difficult for me and my family. I was fighting a rare cancer, and I didn’t want to share this journey with anyone because I was afraid people would judge me and say bad things about it. During this time, I had only two fears: how I would face my God and what would happen to my family. I urge you all to be regular with your check-ups. I am deeply thankful to my supportive family.”
Arij described her recovery as a second chance at life, crediting the unwavering support of her loved ones for helping her through the most challenging period she has ever faced. Her public revelation has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and followers across the globe, with many praising her courage in speaking openly about her diagnosis and urging others to prioritize their health.
By sharing her experience, Arij hopes to raise awareness about the importance of regular medical check-ups and to encourage those facing serious illnesses to lean on their support systems. Photos shared by Arij following her recovery show the actress smiling with her family, a testament to her resilience and gratitude as she moves forward in life.
