Army Chief takes responsibility for treatment of Pakistanis children sent back by India

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has taken personal responsibility for the treatment of two Pakistani children who were recently sent back from India following the tragic Pahalgam attack.

The two children, Abdullah (9) and Mansa (7), are from Hyderabad and were undergoing treatment in India for congenital heart disease. After their deportation, their father, Shahid Ahmed, criticized the Indian government’s decision, calling it an inhumane act by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to the media, Shahid Ahmed shared that both of his children were born with serious heart defects. He had taken them to India for specialized medical treatment, but they were forcibly sent back. He expressed deep gratitude to General Asim Munir, saying, “I am thankful to the Army Chief for arranging immediate treatment for my children at the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC). The care and attention they are receiving at AFIC is far beyond my expectations.”

Dr. Mehboob Sultan, a senior cardiologist at AFIC, provided medical details. “Both children have holes in their hearts and underdeveloped pulmonary arteries. They are suffering from Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex congenital condition. Their surgeries will be done in phases, and the first phase is scheduled to be completed soon.”

Dr. Sultan emphasized that AFIC has treated many similar cases and added, “In my opinion, there’s no need to send such children abroad. We have successfully handled many complex pediatric heart surgeries here.”

Brigadier Dr. Khurram Akhtar, also from AFIC, confirmed that the institute is a state-of-the-art facility under the Pakistan Army, equipped to treat even the most complicated heart diseases in children. “Our surgeries meet international medical standards, and we are fully capable of providing the best care available,” he said.

The case has drawn attention to the quality of Pakistan’s medical capabilities and the humanitarian role played by the Army in supporting civilian families during times of crisis.