Swara Bhasker thanks Shoaib Akhtar for his 'gesture of humanity' after he urges Pakistani fans to support India amid COVID-19 crisis

The time is right now, right here to do everything possible to help out those affected as India battles a devastating second wave of coronavirus. Suffice to say, support is coming in from everywhere. Bollywood celebrities like Bhumi Pednekar, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sonu Sood, among others are doing everything in their power to raise awareness, help out and share relevant contacts. And given the sharp increase in the number of cases, prominent Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar also appealed to his fans in Pakistan to help India against this struggle that seems to be sparing no one. Now, actress Swara Bhasker, who is an active social media user, has thanked him for reaching out to India during these trying times. Resharing his original tweet, Swara writes, 'Thank you Shoaib Akhtar ji for the kind words and gesture of humanity! Deeply appreciated.' Akhtar had shared a video message apprising his followers of India's current crisis, along with the caption, 'India is really struggling with Covid-19. Global support needed. Health care system is crashing. Its a Pandemic, we are all in it together. Must become each other's support.' He accompanied his message with hashtags such as '#IndiaNeedsOxygen' and '#COVID19'. Earlier, cricketer Suresh Raina also commented on the situation and wrote, 'India is battling a crisis situation today. The medical infrastructure is slowly collapsing, resources depleting and more lives at risk than ever before. There is no pain greater than seeing your loved one fight the battle.' He further added, 'My humble request to everyone - if you have the choice to stay home, please do it to keep yourself, your family and your nation safe. Do your bit to help the doctors, police, paramedics and govt authorities do their job. That is the need of the hour!' The day before yesterday, Indian recorded over 3.46 lakh new COVID-19 cases. Efforts are ongoing to contain the pandemic. While Delhi is on lockdown till April 26, the Maharashtra government has imposed strict lockdown in the state, likewise following COVID-19 guidelines has become mandatory throughout the country. As everyone is aware, the number of cases of people who are infected is increasing by leaps and bounds and the death toll is on the rise. India is presently in the grips of a public health emergency with frantic calls for help for beds, medicines, oxygen cylinders, essential drugs and tests coming in from every part of the country.