Pakistani kids denied treatment in India get successful heart procedures at AFIC

AFIC successfully treats Pakistani siblings sent back untreated from India

KARACHI: Two Pakistani children suffering from congenital heart disease have received successful cardiac procedures at the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) after being denied treatment in India and forced to return home amid escalating political tensions.

According to Shahid Ali, father of the affected children, 9-year-old Abdullah underwent heart surgery, while 7-year-old Munsa was treated through angioplasty at the AFIC in Rawalpindi. He shared that Munsa’s full corrective surgery is planned for six months later.

The children, both diagnosed with critical congenital heart conditions, had initially traveled to India in search of specialized care. However, following the Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, the Indian government issued orders for all Pakistani nationals to leave, resulting in the children being repatriated without treatment.

Their case highlights both the medical challenges faced by cross-border patients and the growing competence of Pakistan’s own cardiac health infrastructure. The AFIC, a nationally recognized cardiac institute, has stepped in to deliver advanced procedures, reaffirming the availability of high-quality pediatric cardiac care in Pakistan.

“This has been a very emotional journey for our family. We went to India with hope but came back empty-handed. Thanks to the AFIC and its expert team, our children have been given a second chance,” said Shahid Ali.

The incident also underlines the humanitarian impact of geopolitical tensions, especially when vulnerable populations like pediatric patients are caught in the crossfire. Many other Pakistani patients traveling to India for treatment have also been affected, with urgent cases being abruptly halted due to diplomatic fallout.

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