A Manchester surgeon has been reunited with the woman whose face he helped to rebuild following a horrific acid attack in Pakistan.
Dr Asim Shahmalak, who was born in Pakistan and trained as a doctor there before moving to the UK, flew to Karachi for an emotional reunion with Kanwal Qayyum, a mother of two. She lost her nose after being doused with sulphuric acid by a jealous friend who did not want her to be an air hostess.
Hair transplant surgeon Dr Shahmalak, from Crown Clinic next to Manchester Airport, was part of the team who have spent the past 11 years painstakingly rebuilding her face including completely remodelling her nose with tissue from her thighs. He created new eyelashes and new eyebrows for the 40-year-old free of charge with hair extracted from her scalp.
Dr Shahmalak, 61, best known for his work with celebrity hair transplant clients such as Jack P Shepherd from Coronation Street, said: “Kanwal is one of the bravest women I have ever met. It was wonderful to hear how she has rebuilt her life following the attack and is now working successfully in a textile company.”
The medic - who was honoured by Prime Minister Boris Johnson two years ago with a Point of Light Award for his mercy missions helping acid attack victims - was also reunited with Niaz Bano, 52, who lost her left eye after being pelted with acid disguised in a cup of tea in a row over her daughter's wedding. Dr Shahmalak, a father of two, lives in Cheadle with his wife Rubina, who is a Manchester GP.
