New Delhi: Afghan woman Sharbat Gula, the iconic face of refugee struggle who was deported from Pakistan a few days ago, will soon travel to India for a medical treatment.
Ms Gula became a worldwide face after her photograph appeared in the National Geographic Magazine in 1984. She was deported from Pakistan to Afghanistan on the charges of falsifying identity papers on Wednesday.
In her 40s now, she has been offered free treatment — reportedly by a Bengaluru hospital — a decision praised by Afghan Ambassador Shaida Abdali, who has also expressed gratitude to India. “The iconic Afghan, Sharbat Gula, will soon be in India for a free medical treatment — Thank you India for being a true friend!” Afghan ambassador to India, Shaida Abdali, tweeted.
Ms Gula, popularly known as the ‘Afghan girl’, is reportedly suffering from Hepatitis C, besides having some other health issues, according to news agency reports. After fleeing Afghanistan as a young child, Ms Gula spent decades in Pakistan and was arrested recently on the charges of possessing fake identity documents. Ms Gula, a mother of three, is said to undergo treatment at a Bengaluru hospital.
Ms Gula’s image, with striking green eyes, photographed by award winning photographer Steve McCurry, had made her the face of refugee crisis in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan has been criticised for deporting Ms Gula.
