Ailing Hockey hero Mansoor Ahmed seeks New Delhi's permission for heart transplant in India
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Pakistan's World Cup-winning field hockey goalkeeper Mansoor Ahmed on Monday reached out to India for help in securing a heart transplant — despite years of breaking his rivals' “hearts on the field”.
The 49-year-old has been suffering for weeks from complications stemming from a pacemaker and stents implanted in his heart.
Ahmed has been a sporting icon in Pakistan since helping the country win the 1994 World Cup in Sydney with his penalty stroke save against the Netherlands in the final.
“I may have broken a lot of Indian hearts on the field of play by beating India in the Indira Gandhi Cup (1989) and in other events but that was sport,” Ahmed told AFP.
“Now I need a heart transplant in India and for that I need support from the Indian government.”
India-Pakistan ties, including sports and cultural contacts, plummeted after the 2008 militant attacks in Mumbai.
Despite the strained ties, Pakistanis are eligible to apply for medical visas to India, renowned for its booming medical tourism industry.
Ahmed — who played 338 international matches, participated in three Olympics and various other high-profile events in a career spanning from 1986 to 2000 — said the visa could be a lifesaver.
“Humanity is paramount and I too would be obliged if I get a visa and other help in India” said Ahmed.
Sport has been one of the few avenues to improve relations between the arch rivals, he added.
“We have had a great rivalry and sports have helped on a number of occasions so that should continue,” said Ahmed.
India has suspended most bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan since 2008, with high-profile cricket tours bearing the brunt of the moratorium.
They have, however, continued to play each other in multinational events like the World Cup.
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Comments (121) Closed
Apr 23, 2018 06:35pm
I sincerely hope his visa application is expediously processed and he gets successful transplant and lives a healthy and happy life.
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Apr 23, 2018 06:41pm
Yes, he should get Visa and free medical help without any delay. Afterall, we all are human beings and in this special case, India and Pakistan are two Brothers. As a Punjabi I feel for Pakistan too.
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Apr 23, 2018 06:42pm
Pak Foreign Minister must send written request as per Indian norms. The ball is in Pak court.
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Apr 23, 2018 06:45pm
Can anyone hear ? Why we can't build such facilities in our country ? I urge concern people to do it on war footing this is desparate need for our ailiting people
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Apr 23, 2018 06:47pm
We know, humanity is paramount. You will get visa for sure.
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Apr 23, 2018 06:47pm
Life is important. Do anything to save it
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Apr 23, 2018 06:49pm
If he can afford why not help him.
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Apr 23, 2018 06:50pm
My sympathies are prayers are with Mansoor Ahmed. I was in the Sydney Homebush stadium where Pakistan beat Holland to win the world cup. Actually I was sitting right behind the goal where Mansoor defended the penalty stroke. I hope he finds a donor as well.
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Apr 23, 2018 06:51pm
Pakistan Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology/National Institute of Heart Diseases performs heart transplants, provided a donor is available.
They have world calss facilities and well established evaluation and follow up methods available.
A field hockey hero has called for help, one who raised the country's flag high.
We shall respond in his hour of need.
Come forward Pakistanis.
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Apr 23, 2018 06:51pm
I hope it works out. You’ll be our honored guest. I wish you the very best.
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Apr 23, 2018 06:52pm
As an Indian I want the Indian govt to grant him visa for his medical needs. I pray for your good health brother. Rab rakha.
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Apr 23, 2018 06:55pm
We hope Indian government will give him visa.indo-pak blood brothers.
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Apr 23, 2018 06:59pm
He was a wonderful hockey player....may he get well soon...and gets the required help from India.. Ameen! Govt should set up a post retirement plan for these national players with free medical treatment and pension too....
Seems like field hockey has died in Pakistan....i remember playing hockey in a lower middle class street in Karachi with my friends daily in the evening........i wish hockey and its players get back the glory days in Pakistan...
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Apr 23, 2018 07:02pm
We as Indian wil welcome you with love.
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Apr 23, 2018 07:03pm
I am sure India will grant you.
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Apr 23, 2018 07:07pm
Sir you should make a tweet to shusma mam,she is lady with Big heart i am hope full you will be provided all necessary support required. Will pray to almighty for your wellness.
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Apr 23, 2018 07:09pm
Dear Madam Mrs. Swaraj, please give him visa and other help immediately. Wish him quick recovery.
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Apr 23, 2018 07:12pm
We can reserve the fights and hostilities for another day .
You are most welcome to India.
Just apply through embassy and I will mobilise my huge friend circle to reach to our nice external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj ji via Twitter to ensure speedy visa issuance as she has done several times in the past.
Yes we are rivals and looks like we will be like this in near future.
But we are humans first.
I will also try to meet and take autograph of the hockey legend once he is in India.
Regards and wishes from across the border.
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Apr 23, 2018 07:14pm
Hoping you get the visa & treatment earliest & get well soon.
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Apr 23, 2018 07:25pm
Humanity for a brother nation trumps anything else, 100 saal jiyo
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Apr 23, 2018 07:34pm
I wonder, nuclear power Pakistan do not have basic medical facilities for their citizens.
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Apr 23, 2018 07:42pm
I am sure that numerous tweets from fellow Indians would have reached Sushma Swaraj-ji by now and the visa would be processed within a day if not hours. All Pakistani civilians are welcome to India anytime for health and quality of life facilities. The 'better-privileged' anyway have western health plans with kids and families safely ensconced in US or UK havens.
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Apr 23, 2018 07:44pm
All you need is a recommendation from your Foreign Secretary...am sure he will vouch for you atleast.
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Apr 23, 2018 07:54pm
You will get your medical visa man. Wish you get well soon. Only problem is why your Foreign Minister can not recommend such cases for quick approval. Just blaming India, Pakistan is closing its own door. Yes, don't think that your visa application will be rejected because India was defeated when you were playing. Sportsman spirit is highly respected in India and many Pakistani players are immensely popular in India.
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Apr 23, 2018 07:57pm
Ms. Sushma Swaraj! You understand the pain of a ailing person. Please give Mr. Ahmad a medical visa as early as possible. Than you!
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Apr 23, 2018 08:01pm
Why cant he get this service in Pakistan ? Interestingly I was watching his tournament winning saves during the penalty shoot out in Semi and the Final.
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Apr 23, 2018 08:02pm
Why don’t we target some Chinese which might be costly but technological advance and friendly nation to us.
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Apr 23, 2018 08:03pm
Heart transplant is very complicated and risky, the artificial heart has not met much success, but to get a donor for the heart is next to impossible, kidney and liver is different all together, the heart needs to be in hospital within 2-3 hours of patient's or donor's demise. I wish the player all the best, even if India or Pakistan foot the medical expenses, without a heart/organ its tough, usually hearts are transplanted in patients, who are very young and are 1st on the waiting list as per the standard protocol.
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Apr 23, 2018 08:05pm
I hope and am sure that the Visa will be granted, and what's more, that he will be cured of his condition in India as well.
Blessings and prayers for Mansoor.
From a once-and-forever Indian at heart.
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Apr 23, 2018 08:06pm
After reading all the comments from Indian brothers I’m so happy they have big hearts.
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Apr 23, 2018 08:08pm
You are welcome to India and wish you speedy recovery.
Humanity should be above politics .
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Apr 23, 2018 08:13pm
Wish him a good recovery, I wish Hasan Ali with his wonderful gesture at Wagah will not be in similar need going ahead!
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Apr 23, 2018 08:42pm
Heart transplant/implant is a big deal, success rate in such cases is very low.so visa is not the only problem.
Wish him all the best.
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Apr 23, 2018 08:51pm
Isn’t the main problem finding a suitable donor heart?
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Apr 23, 2018 09:07pm
He will get a visa.
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Apr 23, 2018 09:08pm
And yesterday, one of our cricket player was showing some gestures, which went viral on social media. If life is important, how we live is also important. We remember India when these kind of emergencies prop up.
I wish speedy recovery, wish both governments do the needful.
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Apr 23, 2018 09:11pm
Wishing the best of health to this fine sportsman. I appeal to the Government of India to please take notice and grant a special urgent visa on compassionate grounds.
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Apr 23, 2018 09:17pm
Most welcomed in India.
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Apr 23, 2018 09:18pm
Wish him an early recovery and good health. Somehow I feel Pak Govt should ensure that a hockey legend should get proper treatment in India and if no at abroad. The player should not be made to request for visa. The govt. should do it.
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Apr 23, 2018 09:25pm
Sushma Swaraj Madam please arrange visa for this hockey icon. He should be treated at the earliest.
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Apr 23, 2018 09:28pm
@Basha You are very knowledgeable even you know request has not yet submitted.
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Apr 23, 2018 09:30pm
Pakistan's Hockey hero should get medical treatment in Pakistan.
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Apr 23, 2018 09:44pm
Reading all the positive comments from Indians restores my faith in the deep bond that exists within the aam aadmi of the countries. A salute to my eastern neighbors!
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Apr 23, 2018 09:45pm
Zak - Any comment?
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Apr 23, 2018 10:02pm
As an Indian, I would request our honorable Foreign Minister Sushmaji to expedite the visa for this great sports person. The paperwork from Pakistan should not hold us up from doing the right thing. If it comes in time that is good, but every moment is precious is precious in such cases.
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Apr 23, 2018 10:06pm
i have already tweeted this to Sushma Swaraj mam request all Indians to do the same
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Apr 23, 2018 10:07pm
@M. Emad "Pakistan's Hockey hero should get medical treatment in Pakistan."
Thanks for your two cents. Glad you got that off your chest.
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Apr 23, 2018 10:09pm
Ask Hilaly why this gentleman cannot have his treatment in Pakistan.
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Apr 23, 2018 10:21pm
This is not help my dear. You are always welcome.
I hope our govt rushes to do the right thing.
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Apr 23, 2018 10:28pm
Sincerely hope the request is granted and that a speedy recovery follows for him!
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Apr 23, 2018 10:49pm
@SHIRAZ
If world class facilities are available in Pakistan then why should he be requesting for Indian help.
My suggestion is please accept realities.
I do hope he gets Indian help.
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Apr 23, 2018 10:51pm
The Indian warm comments here are very commendable. Indian like us, have a big heart. It shows that we have sprouted from the same seeds. Love from Pakistan!
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Apr 23, 2018 11:00pm
@point of view
Mr. point of view,
Correct.
It is a matter of shame because Pakistanis raise
the slogan for corrupts and criminals Ms.
Benazir Zardari, Mr. Mian Nawaz Sharif, Mr. Asif
Ali Zardari, Mr. Bilawal Zardari, Mr. Rana
Sanaullah, Ms. Faryal Talpur, Mr. Mian Shahbaz
Sharif, etc.
A country can't develop with criminals and
corrupts.
This is answer to your question.
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Apr 23, 2018 11:01pm
Political sentiments aside Mansoor should be granted Indian visa on humanitarian grounds. Pakistani ministers are busy in other more important issues which are now personal.
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Apr 23, 2018 11:14pm
I wish him a speedy recovery. However, I expected Pakistan to have its focus on healthcare rather then boast on CPEC
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Apr 23, 2018 11:19pm
dont worry mansoor bhai, mrs sushma swaraj will give help to you, sports never breaks- it joins
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Apr 23, 2018 11:19pm
Humanity should take the lead, please.
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Apr 23, 2018 11:28pm
Sir - First off you are a hero and an ambassador. We wish you all the health and happiness, we pray you get the visa and a successful procedure.
What happens on the field, stays on the field. You didn't break any Indian hearts but played your game. I'm a Pakistani but I 'm a fan of Kohli and Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar - watching Kohli play is a beauty.
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Apr 23, 2018 11:29pm
Nothing against India but what a shame that our politicians lost ted this country and took all the wealth out of the country. They could have done a lot like building quality hospitals, schools etc. in the country so people like this guy wouldn’t have to go to India for the surgery. All these politics a should go to jail for what they did with this country.
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Apr 23, 2018 11:29pm
Being an Indian myself, I too wish him good health, if that means a heart transplant in India , Indian Govt. shouldn't bring our strained relations in the way of this man's heart transplant. I sincerely request our Govt. to expedite his medical visa on urgent basis . He is neither a Pakistani nor our enemy, he is just a patient and we should treat him that way. Next news I want to read in Dawn is that his medical visa has been issued.
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Apr 23, 2018 11:33pm
I hope he gets visa soon!
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Apr 23, 2018 11:34pm
If he does not get Indian Visa then we should look for US or any other country. Why are we only trying India I mean from the start there must be 2-3 options on table.
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Apr 23, 2018 11:35pm
Best wishes to the hockey hero from Pakistan. I hope he gets the treatment he needs. And political wrangling should not come in the way off doing the right thing for a humanity.
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Apr 23, 2018 11:36pm
Praying to help to help in getting a successful transplant .
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Apr 23, 2018 11:40pm
He should directly approach India's Foreign Mionister, Ms. Sushma Swaraj, via twitter; I'm certain she will get the vis arranged without any delay.
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Apr 23, 2018 11:45pm
Stay in Pakistan or go to China. This is not our problem.
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Apr 24, 2018 12:24am
@SMI we use that money for Sharif/Zardari/Bhutto clans to pay for their medical bills in England.
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Apr 24, 2018 12:27am
Being an Indian, I would request Shushma ji to grant visa asap on medical ground. Mr. Mansoor, India has big heart and will never reject visa because you have scored goals against us. We hope for speedy recovery and have a successful medical treatment.
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Apr 24, 2018 12:40am
It is very heart breaking that Pakistan foreign minister will not sign the Visa Request form for this Pakistani Hero.
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Apr 24, 2018 01:13am
As an Indian, I sincerely request the Indian Foreign Minister and Indian authorities to immediately look into Mr. Mansoor Ahmed's request and make urgent arrangement to ensure that the Visas and also the necessary heart transplant /Medical treatment is provided at the earliest. I also pray that Mr. Mansoor Ahmed successfully recovers from this ailment.
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Apr 24, 2018 01:27am
Dear Mansoor, Dont worry at all. Indian govt will definitely give you all the support you need to save your life.
Though while appealing to Indian govt, you have pointed out how you have defeated India in Hockey and broken Indian hearts....We dont think of the rivalry, enmity at such points . There are other time and ways to clear and repay the old balances back. ;-)
For such emergencies on life India's doors are always open all. Wish you a good speedy recovery and good health soon.
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Apr 24, 2018 01:36am
Pakistani government should pay to have him sent somewhere else.This is too embarrassing.
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Apr 24, 2018 02:04am
He is a National Hero. We request Pakistan Govt to finance his surgery and arrange for medical treatment in the UK.
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Apr 24, 2018 02:14am
Why not China???
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Apr 24, 2018 02:33am
Dear Shahbaz Sharif, not a single hospital in your 'Paris' that can help him? Shame on you, shame shame shame!
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Apr 24, 2018 02:45am
Yes, on humanitarian grounds India should provide him the treatment. But this also gives me great pain to bring to light the sorry state of our medical education, training and facilities in Pakistan. Why can’t we have the state of the art medical facilities to cater to the needs of 200 million people of Pakistan. Likes of Dr. Asim, Shahbaz Sharif and others have done havoc with our medical system by their nefarious corrupt practices. Why why why ?.
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Apr 24, 2018 02:53am
@Bittu India knows the value of humanity. hope he may get a medical visa
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Apr 24, 2018 03:06am
@Adnan we Indian always have a big heart dear Adnan.
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Apr 24, 2018 03:12am
@M. Emad Mr. Emad do u have such medical facilities at your end. don't boast for the sake of boasting.
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Apr 24, 2018 03:39am
This great player should get heart transplant in Agha khan hospital. Hockey federation should pay.
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Apr 24, 2018 03:46am
I am an Indian and to Mr Mansoor Ahmed - You don't need to apologize for winning matches for your country against us. If anything it made our players play harder and improve themselves. So thank you for your services to INDIAN Hockey.
I truly hope you are able to get a medical visa and get the treatment you need. My father went through this procedure 3 years ago and it is considered fairly routine in India with many good and experienced surgeons.
All the best.
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Apr 24, 2018 04:21am
With all the outpouring of love from both sides of the border, one can almost feel the possibility of peace between the two countries...if only politicians would allow the people to meet openly!
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Apr 24, 2018 05:23am
Dont think too much sir. Nobody hates a player for playing hard for his country.. follow procedures and if anybody gets treated well in India its our honor that as nation we helped some neighbor.
At end we all have to live together no matter what..
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Apr 24, 2018 05:41am
Get well soon. You are our hero.
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Apr 24, 2018 05:42am
India & Indians have large heart and very generous. Whether be it earthquake in Pak held Kashmir or flood in Pakistan or medical aid to it's citizen, India & Indians have never and will never shy away. Hope you get your treatment in India as desired and get better soon!
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Apr 24, 2018 06:05am
He is most welcome in India.We will treat him like our know.One thing I don't understand,until yesterday you were calling us names,saying we were a nation of rapists,cursing BJP/Modi and now asking Sushma for help.We haven't changed but you transformed in 1 day.
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Apr 24, 2018 06:26am
Send him to London and expenses should be recovered from personal account of Nawaz Sharif as he could not build hospitals for treatment and instead spent over RS.200 billion for metro. With this amount at least 20 hospitals can be built.
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Apr 24, 2018 06:32am
To be honest i am in favour to granting visa to him but at the same time i always see Pakistani peoples criticizing indians at every form and Calling Chinese as there best friend so why not to go over there ?
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Apr 24, 2018 06:42am
Indians are doing it only for money, better we give business to other friendly countries.
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Apr 24, 2018 07:13am
Happy to have you in India Sir. GoI won't/shouldn't reject ur request.
Speedy recovery & good luck.
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Apr 24, 2018 07:29am
I hope this hero gets help soon. But finding a donor will be difficult , whether in India or any other country As the waiting list is quite long. He needs to be a corrupt politicians to get donor immediately by hook or crook. You have our prayers
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Apr 24, 2018 07:35am
@Aslam Qadri I agree with you. Even if India gives the VISA and extends the necessary medical assistance,unlike in the cases of kidney and liver, it will be difficult to find a heart donor. As you all know most of such heart donations come from the relatives of a brain dead person who is kept 'medically' alive through a life support machine. We can of course make the necessary efforts. I also urge our foreign minister to make exceptions in our VISA policy to simplify the procedures.
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Apr 24, 2018 07:39am
Hope India would consider
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Apr 24, 2018 07:47am
I hope you get visa and recover soon. You are welcome in India.
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Apr 24, 2018 08:34am
Why India and Indians pay for you people?. As per the rules and regulations (in medical cases) of India or international standards, India should take actions. Come in queue. No urgency from Indian side.
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Apr 24, 2018 08:35am
I Wish him speedy recovery and request my government to grant visa to legend. I do agree we indians and pakistanis will continue fight like cat and mouse but we also know some years back all of were one nation and fight for independence. Hope he will get well soon.
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Apr 24, 2018 09:06am
Ask China for help I think they have better medical fecility than India..
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Apr 24, 2018 09:47am
I wish the Hockey Star may get our Indian Visa at the earliest for his speedy Medical Treatments. It will our pleasure ??
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Apr 24, 2018 10:10am
Indians welcome you. Tweet to Sushma Swaraj and she should be able to help. We want to see you and all pakistanis healthy bro. Lets be human first.
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Apr 24, 2018 10:12am
So heartwarming to see all the Indian family wishing and praying for Ahmed to get well. They are saying that that he should be given the visa and praying for fast recovery.
I have tears in my eyes what else can I say but IndoPak Blood Brothers 4 Life!
No wonder in Indo I see Pak and in Pak I see Indo.
IndoPak Blood Brothers 4 Life!
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Apr 24, 2018 10:24am
Still waiting to see comments from the likes of Dr. Salaria and like minded readers
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Apr 24, 2018 11:07am
Where are those pakistani who shown hatness to INDIA. Now no one will come.All will silent
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Apr 24, 2018 11:09am
We Indian have big heart...I feel he will get visa sure on humanity basis.
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Apr 24, 2018 01:12pm
Alas! What a shame, we couldnt even build a hospital in which such transplant can be done!
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Apr 24, 2018 01:21pm
I pray for him. But I want to clear that it is extremely difficult to get heart donor. When we talk about humanity, they are also human who applied for heart before him.
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Apr 24, 2018 02:15pm
We have a good heart. Will certainly share with you.
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Apr 24, 2018 02:21pm
This news has been covered extensively in Indian media. There's no way the Indian govt can refuse to grant his wishes. We pray for his speedy recovery.
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Apr 24, 2018 02:25pm
@Sunil: C'mon Sunil, have a heart. This retort is uncalled for.
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Apr 24, 2018 02:28pm
@Pakistani: Why do you think it's embarrassing? Just because he has requested for India?
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Apr 24, 2018 02:54pm
@Ajit, now his own heart needs healing, but he should not worry about Indian broken hearts at hockey play grounds. Every sportsman Plays to win. Regardless Indian or Pakistani. Winning a match is no guilt.
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Apr 24, 2018 03:53pm
I as a true Indian, would request Foreign Minister Mrs. Swaraj to grant visa to him on humanitarian grounds immediately.
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Apr 24, 2018 04:03pm
Why dont u go to UK or USA for that matter????/
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Apr 24, 2018 04:35pm
@Zak in an other NEWS AGHA khan hospital doctor's saying he should be treated in India as they are not able to operate.
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Apr 24, 2018 04:41pm
@NPS Why free medical help?
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Apr 24, 2018 04:48pm
Sports icons should be treated with respect from whichever country they are. Hope you get well soon, Sir.
Wish you a long healthy, successful and happy life.
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Apr 24, 2018 05:27pm
@ Zak - Please grow up.
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Apr 24, 2018 05:35pm
I dont know the way he requested was more of boosting of his achievement or request for medical treatment,But anyway human life is more precious then anything so he should be given VISA.I request Susmaji to please approve it on priority.Hope he recover soon
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Apr 24, 2018 05:35pm
@Imtiaz Ali Khan.You are a Gem brother.We need more and more like you on both sides of the man made border.Warm regards.
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Apr 24, 2018 06:35pm
What a grave and great tragedy?
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Apr 24, 2018 06:45pm
He will get the visa for sure.
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Apr 25, 2018 04:32am
Who will be the donor???
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