Scotland’s Baby feels right at home as brave fight continues

He’s becoming more Scottish every day.

Seeing the toddler so happy is a credit to all those who have cared for him since he came to Scotland, after his family was killed in a gas explosion in Pakistan.

Next Saturday marks two years since the youngster was rushed to Glasgow for specialist treatment, having suffered 80% skin loss to his face.

He became known as Scotland’s Baby after more than £17,000 was raised by the public towards his welfare needs.

Now two and a half, the youngster lives with his uncle, Mohammad Asif, at the family home in the city.

He is currently recovering following another op after he developed breathing difficulties. It’s the latest in a number of procedures he’s had on his nose, eyes and mouth.

“The operation seems to have gone quite well,” said father-of-four Mohammad.

“One of his nostrils was blocking his airwaves and he also needed work done to his right eye.

“But he’s a very happy boy and very polite.

“Our neighbours love him and are always asking about him. He stands at the window sometimes and just waves.

“He likes to watch cartoons and play on the trampoline in the garden and kick a football around. And he loves going to the shops.

“My daughter has been teaching him a few things and he can now count to 12 and he says to people, ‘Hello, how are you?’.

“He also says goodbye – but waits until you have left the room.”

Mohammad was less than two months old in 2013 when a gas explosion at the family home in Peshawar caused devastation.

His mum, dad and 13-month-old brother died from their injuries a few days later. Doctors expected Mohammad to die first.

“Surgeons say he’s OK for this stage, but when he is six or seven he’ll need more surgery.

“Just now when they do a skin graft, he rubs it. Hopefully when he’s a little older he’ll understand more and not scratch, giving better results.

“He’ll need a lot more surgery in the future as he grows and his face changes.”

Although happy when he’s awake, Mohammad suffers bad nightmares.

“We’ve met with the psychologist and a sleep study was carried out at the hospital,” his 49-year-old uncle said.

“Something in his head is bothering him. He sobs and then begins screaming.

“Once he opens his eyes he’s OK as he realises where he is.”

Mohammad hopes his nephew will be able to attend the local nursery as he continues to recover.

“The people in the hospital are a different type of human,” he added. “They treat him just as well as their own families.

“People who have never even met him have been so nice.

“It’s looking quite good for him at the moment.”