December 24, 2006	Sunday	Zilhaj 02, 1427

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RIYADH, Dec 23: A hospital in Riyadh is holding up new-born son of Pakistani driver Tahir Akram Mohammad because he is unable to cough up the bill, a Saudi daily Arab News reported on Saturday.

Tahir has worked in the country for six years and married Rehana, an Indian national from Hyderabad Deccan.

“We got married last year and this is our first child. My wife is in tears over this and my home is a hell right now,” he said.

Tahir told the press that when he sought the help of the Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh, he was turned away because his wife is an Indian, “and when my wife went to the Indian mission seeking relief, she was refused help because she is married to a Pakistani.”

The Pakistani mission in Riyadh denies, they ever refused to entertain Tahir.

The head of the chancery in Riyadh, Farrukh told Dawn after investigating with the community welfare attaché in the embassy that they turn back any one on account of the nationality of his Indian wife.

“The fact remains that we do not maintain any fund to handle such situations,” he said.

He said that in such situations they try and seek the assistance from well-to-do members of the Pakistani community and individuals generally respond generously.

Shan was born prematurely on November 14, but is now healthy enough to be discharged.

“I am a driver and drawing SR1,200 ($320) a month. I am simply unable to pay such a huge bill,” he said.