In a remarkable and emotional turn of events, a young woman who disappeared from Islamabad 17 years ago has finally been reunited with her family after being traced at an Edhi Centre in Karachi. The reunion has sparked widespread appreciation for the Edhi Foundation’s enduring commitment to humanitarian service and the efforts of provincial authorities who played a crucial role in identifying her.
According to officials from the Edhi Foundation, the girl now a 27-year-old woman named Kiran was formally handed over to her father earlier this week. Her recovery and identification became possible through the support of the Punjab Safe City Authority, whose technological assistance allowed investigators to establish her identity and trace her family’s whereabouts.
A Childhood Accident That Changed Everything
Explaining her story to officials, Kiran shared that she had left her home in Islamabad as a young child to buy ice cream. During this seemingly routine walk, she lost her way and was unable to find her way back home. While wandering aimlessly, she was approached by an unknown person who eventually took her to the Edhi Centre in Islamabad.
Her arrival marked the beginning of a long journey that would take her far from her home city. The late Bilquis Edhi, known nationwide as the “Mother of Pakistan” for her relentless work with vulnerable children, later shifted Kiran to Karachi. It was here that she remained under the care and protection of the Edhi Foundation for nearly two decades.
Life at the Edhi Centre
During her time at the centre, Kiran received both religious instruction and formal schooling. She described her years at Edhi as “very pleasant”, expressing gratitude for the love, guidance, and stability she received from the staff. She noted that despite being away from her family, she grew up in a nurturing environment where she was encouraged to learn and live with dignity.
The Edhi Foundation, renowned for its shelter homes, ambulance network, and welfare services, became her world. Over the years, Kiran built relationships with staff and fellow residents who became almost like extended family.
Efforts to Find Her Family
Edhi Centre in-charge Shabana Faisal revealed that the organization had made several attempts over the years to locate Kiran’s family. She recalled that Kiran was sent back to Islamabad multiple times via bus service in hopes that someone would recognize her or that a lead might emerge. Despite these efforts, every attempt proved unsuccessful.
With the passage of time, the hope of locating her real family had slowly faded. But that hope was revived when the Safe City Authority stepped in with advanced identification methods. Through a combination of data matching and coordinated efforts with Edhi staff, Kiran’s family was finally traced.
An Emotional Reunion
When Kiran met her parents after 17 long years, the moment was filled with overwhelming emotion. She described the day as the “most important day of my life,” expressing joy at finally seeing her parents, who had spent nearly two decades searching, hoping, and praying for their daughter’s return.
For her family, the reunion was nothing short of a miracle. After years of distress, uncertainty, and unanswered questions, they were finally able to embrace their daughter again.
Wider Impact and Public Response
Edhi Centre in-charge Shabana Faisal also revealed a significant detail: in recent weeks alone, 12 missing children across Pakistan have been successfully reunited with their families through partnership efforts between government bodies and welfare organizations. Kiran is the fifth girl from Karachi whose family has been recently traced.
The Edhi Foundation’s role in these reunions has drawn immense praise from the public. As news of Kiran’s return home spread across social media, thousands of people expressed heartfelt admiration for the Foundation’s tireless humanitarian work. Many users shared emotional reactions, calling the reunion a testament to the importance of Edhi’s mission of supporting the vulnerable and lost.
A Story of Hope and Humanity
Kiran’s story stands as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that welfare organizations like the Edhi Foundation can have on individual lives. It also highlights the critical role of modern technological tools, such as those provided by the Punjab Safe City Authority, in helping resolve long-standing missing persons cases.
After 17 years of separation, confusion, and uncertainty, Kiran is finally homea moment that symbolizes hope, compassion, and the enduring power of humanity.
