Zayn Malik's three-year-old cousin is fighting for her life in hospital after undergoing brain surgery.

The One Direction star's relative Arshiya Malik underwent the operation on a brain tumour on Monday (04Aug14) and remains in intensive care.

The singer's sister Doniya, 23, has taken to Twitter.com to ask fans to pray for the youngster, writing, "Thank you every1 (sic) hu (who) did dua (said prayers) for Arshiya, but she still need ur (your) duas (prayers). She had 1 per cent chance! Just shows there is a god and prayers work."

Pop star Malik, who is currently on tour with the band in U.S., has yet to comment.