In a remarkable turn of events, Hamida Banu, an Indian woman who was reportedly trafficked to Pakistan in 2002, has finally returned to her homeland after 22 long years apart from her family. Her return was made possible after her grandson recognized her in a YouTube video that surfaced online.
Missing Indian Woman Reunites with Family After Two Decades in Pakistan
Missing Indian Woman Reunites with Family After Two Decades in Pakistan
Hamida Banu, a victim of trafficking, returns to India after missing for 22 years.
Hamida Banu, now 75, revealed to journalists that she had spent nearly two decades feeling like a "living corpse" in Pakistan, unable to reach out to her loved ones. In 2002, she was deceived by a recruitment agent who promised her a job in Dubai, charging her 20,000 rupees (approximately $250). Instead of landing in Dubai, she found herself in Hyderabad, Pakistan, confined to a house for three months.
During her time in Pakistan, Ms. Banu eventually married a street vendor, who passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her story gained attention in July 2022 when Indian journalist Khalfan Shaikh saw her interview conducted by Pakistani activist Waliullah Maroof on YouTube. This video eventually reached her family, after being spotted by her grandson, prompting an emotional reunion.
After extensive verification of her identity by both Indian and Pakistani authorities, Ms. Banu successfully crossed the border into India. In an emotional video call, she reconnected with her daughter Yasmin, who expressed her relief at finding her mother. "I missed you all so much. I didn’t stay here willingly, I had no other choice," Ms. Banu told her family.
Upon her return to India, she reflected on the long-awaited reunion and her hopes for the future. Despite the joy of being home, she expressed her desire not to become a burden to her family, focusing instead on reconnecting with her siblings and children after so many years apart.
As Hamida Banu reunites with her loved ones, her extraordinary story serves as a stark reminder of the impact of trafficking and the unbreakable bonds of family.
During her time in Pakistan, Ms. Banu eventually married a street vendor, who passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her story gained attention in July 2022 when Indian journalist Khalfan Shaikh saw her interview conducted by Pakistani activist Waliullah Maroof on YouTube. This video eventually reached her family, after being spotted by her grandson, prompting an emotional reunion.
After extensive verification of her identity by both Indian and Pakistani authorities, Ms. Banu successfully crossed the border into India. In an emotional video call, she reconnected with her daughter Yasmin, who expressed her relief at finding her mother. "I missed you all so much. I didn’t stay here willingly, I had no other choice," Ms. Banu told her family.
Upon her return to India, she reflected on the long-awaited reunion and her hopes for the future. Despite the joy of being home, she expressed her desire not to become a burden to her family, focusing instead on reconnecting with her siblings and children after so many years apart.
As Hamida Banu reunites with her loved ones, her extraordinary story serves as a stark reminder of the impact of trafficking and the unbreakable bonds of family.
