New Delhi: Afghan woman Sharbat Gula, the iconic face of refugee struggle who was deported from Pakistan a few days ago, will travel to India soon for medical treatment.
Gula became a worldwide face after her photograph appeared in the National Geographic magazine in 1984. She was deported from Pakistan to Afghanistan on Wednesday on charges of falsifying identity papers.
In her 40s now, she has been offered treatment free-of-cost — reportedly by a Bengaluru hospital — a decision praised by Afghan Ambassador, Shaida Abdali, who expressed gratitude to India.
“The iconic Afghan Sharbat Gula will soon be in India for medical treatment free of cost. Thank you India for being a true friend!” the Afghan ambassador tweeted.
Gula, popularly known as the ‘Afghan girl’, is reportedly suffering from Hepatitis C besides having some other health issues. Gula spent decades in Pakistan and was arrested recently on charges of possessing fake identity documents.
