For thirteen years, Afsheen Gul quite literally saw the world from a sideways angle. Growing up in Mithi, in Pakistan’s Sindh province, her neck was locked in a 90-degree tilt. What was once a story of prolonged suffering has since become a remarkable testament to medical skill and cross-border compassion—an outcome many describe as miraculous.
A Childhood Accident With Lasting Consequences
Afsheen was born healthy, but at only ten months old, she slipped from her sister’s arms and fell. The injury she sustained was serious. Unfortunately, due to her family’s limited financial means, she did not receive medical treatment.
Over time, her condition developed into a rare spinal disorder called atlanto-axial rotatory dislocation. The upper two vertebrae in her spine shifted out of alignment, leaving her head permanently turned to the side. Alongside cerebral palsy, this left her:
-
Unable to sit upright or walk without assistance
-
Struggling with eating and speaking
-
Isolated from school and social life for more than ten years
International Attention and a Bold Decision
In 2017, a journalist highlighted Afsheen’s case, bringing global attention to her situation. Despite the publicity, many hospitals declined to operate, citing the extreme risks and estimating only a 50% survival chance.
Eventually, hope came from India. Dr. Rajagopalan Krishnan, a spine surgeon at Apollo Hospital in Delhi, learned about her story and was deeply moved. He offered to perform the complex procedure at no cost.
Months of Preparation and a High-Risk Surgery
In early 2022, Afsheen and her family traveled to India for treatment. The correction process unfolded in stages:
-
Halo-Gravity Traction: For several months, she wore a metal halo secured to her skull and attached to weights. This gradually stretched her neck and reduced the severe curvature.
-
Major Surgery: In February 2022, Dr. Krishnan led a six-hour operation, stabilizing her skull and spine with titanium rods and screws.
-
Extreme Precision: The surgery required extraordinary care—any error could have caused paralysis or even death.
A New Beginning
Today, Afsheen’s life has changed dramatically. According to updates shared by her brother, Yaqoob Kumbar, she now stands upright and looks straight ahead.
As Dr. Krishnan explained, she can finally see the world as it is—no longer tilted. She is able to walk independently, feed herself, and smile with renewed confidence. While she continues follow-up care with her doctors in India, the life-threatening spinal compression she once faced has been corrected.
For her family, the operation represented far more than medical treatment. It restored hope, dignity, and the promise of a future they once feared she would never have.
