Shaheen Sehbai undergoes brain tumor surgery

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 7 May 2026 |  JP Staff Report

Shaheen Sehbai said he is recovering after a four-hour brain surgery at UAB in the US to remove a tumor that caused slurred speech, weight gain, sleep and hormonal disorders, and breathing problems; he thanked staff and vowed to resume work and commentary soon.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Senior Pakistani journalist Shaheen Sehbai said he is recovering after undergoing a four-hour brain surgery in the United States to remove a tumor that had caused multiple health complications, including speech difficulties and breathing problems.

Sehbai shared the update in a post on X on Thursday, saying he had been off air for several weeks because doctors advised urgent surgery after medication failed to control his worsening symptoms. He said the tumor had led to slurred speech, rapid weight gain, sleep disorders, hormonal complications, and breathing issues.

Recovery update from the US hospital

The veteran journalist said the surgery was performed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital by neurosurgeon Dr. Riley. He described the procedure as successful and thanked doctors and nurses for managing what he called the most painful phase during post-surgery recovery.

“I am now near normal and alert for 14 hours and will soon be out to resume my activity and share my views and interact with you,” Sehbai wrote in his public statement.

Sehbai, known for his outspoken political commentary and television appearances, has remained active on social media and digital platforms after relocating to the United States. His absence from broadcasts and online commentary in recent weeks had prompted speculation among followers and critics.

Veteran journalist vows return

In his statement, Sehbai also addressed critics who, he said, believed he had become inactive or politically isolated. “I am coming back with a clear, clean, and refreshed brain to hit back,” he wrote, adding that he expects to resume calls and interaction within days.

Sehbai has worked in Pakistani journalism for decades and previously held editorial positions at major newspapers and television outlets. He has frequently commented on Pakistani politics, civil-military relations, and media issues, attracting both support and criticism online.

No additional medical details were immediately available beyond Sehbai’s public statement. There was also no official comment from family members or representatives regarding the timeline for his return to media appearances.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on a publicly available statement posted by Shaheen Sehbai on X on May 7, 2026.

PHOTO: X (@SSEHBAI1)