Disabled Pakistani Teen Deported from India Mid-Treatment

Indian authorities forcibly deported 16-year-old Ayan, a paralyzed teen from Karachi before he could complete his urgent medical treatment in Delhi. The disabled youth, who traveled to India for critical care after being shot in Karachi, was abruptly ordered to leave the country following India’s sudden border closure announcement, cutting short his recovery.

Ayan arrived in Delhi on March 27 with his father, brothers, uncle, and cousins, crossing the Attari border to seek specialized treatment at Indraprastha Hospital under renowned neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar. His family had pinned their hopes on Indian doctors to help him regain movement after a bullet injury left him paralyzed.

Just as Ayan began receiving care, Indian officials issued an immediate deportation order, forcing the family to return to Karachi without completing his medical procedures. To make matters worse, Ayan’s mother and aunt—both Indian passport holders—were barred from accompanying him back to Pakistan, despite having valid visas.

The family claims they faced hours of intrusive questioning at the border, adding emotional distress to an already traumatic situation. Ayan’s mother, who moved to Karachi 16 years ago after marriage, retained her Indian citizenship but was still denied the right to travel with her son.

Now back in Karachi with unfinished treatment, Ayan’s family is scrambling to find alternative medical options in Pakistan. Their ordeal highlights the human cost of abrupt policy changes, leaving vulnerable patients in limbo.