Swaraj promises to provide visa to ailing Pakistani baby

Published June 2, 2017
India’s Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj — File
India’s Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj — File

HYDERABAD: Tensions between India and Pakistan may be escalating but that has not stopped India’s Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj from helping a Pakistani bring his two-and-a-half-year-old baby to India for treatment.

Ken Sid, a Pakistani national, reached out to Ms Swaraj for a medical visa as his son has a heart complication which could not be treated in Pakistan.

“He is my son. He does not even know what is happening between India and Pakistan,” Ken tweeted to drive home the point that an innocent child should not be deprived of treatment.

On Thursday, Ms Swaraj reacted to the plea and said: “No, This child will not suffer. Please contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan. We will give the medical visa.”

“It is heartening to see humanity prevailing despite many differences. Thank you for your efforts. Humanity prevails! God bless everyone,” the child’s father tweeted after a large number of Indians urged the minister to consider his plea.

By arrangement with the Times of India

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2017

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