Zayn Malik drug abuse
Zayn Malik's young cousin is in hospital Reuters

The cousin of One Direction star Zayn Malik is fighting for her life after undergoing brain surgery.

Three-year-old Arshiya Malik remains in intensive care after undergoing the live-saving operation to remove a brain tumour.

Although Malik has yet to comment on his relative's condition, his older sister Doniya took to social media to ask fans to pray for the tot.

"And prayers work" she also tweeted.

Doniya ,23, was quickly inundated with messages of support from devoted Directioners.

Other relatives have also rallied around the toddler, sharing regular updates of her condition on Twitter and Instagram.

"Please can everyone pray for Arshiya as much as you can as her MRI scan didn't come out good," the star's cousin Aaroosa siad in one post.

"Doctors are saying theres nothing they can do & have put her on life support machines now.

"Please keep her in your duas always & the rest is up to Allah. "

The family crisis comes days after Malik, who is currently on tour with his bandmates in Canada, was bombarded with death threats by outraged Israelis for posting a #FreePalestine message to his 13 million followers on Twitter.

Zayyn Malik
Zayn with his fiance Perrie Edwards and little Arshiya earlier this year. Instagram