Family joy as ‘Scotland’s child’ Sudais Asif becomes UK citizen after gas explosion tragedy
26 November 2018
Sudais Asif, known as “Scotland’s child” after being flown to Scotland as a baby for lifesaving surgery following a tragic gas explosion in Pakistan, has been granted UK citizenship, a milestone celebrated by his adoptive family and supported by Positive Action in Housing, who helped secure his treatment and recovery.
Little Sudais Asif became known as “Scotland’s child” when he captured the hearts of the nation after being flown here as a baby for lifesaving surgery.
Now, Sudais – who was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Nasima and Mohammad Asif, in Glasgow – has officially been granted UK citizenship.
Mohammad said:
“We are delighted. This gives Sudais more rights and protection. We want to thank the people of Scotland, the Scottish Government and m Positive Action in Housing for all their help.”
Sudais, who is the child of Afghan refugees, was just six weeks old when a gas explosion destroyed his home in Peshawar, Pakistan, in December 2013.
The little boy lost his parents and toddler brother and melted plastic from his cot left him with life changing injuries.
Mohammad campaigned with Positive Action in Housing, who help homeless refugees and migrants, to allow his nephew to be given treatment in Scotland.
He spent seven months in hospital and had 13 operations.