Hameeda Bano, an Indian national from Mumbai, has returned to India after spending 22 years in Pakistan.
Bano’s ordeal began in 2002 when she was deceived by an agent who promised her a job in Dubai. Instead, she was taken to Hyderabad, Pakistan, where she found herself stranded.
After enduring months of hardship, Bano eventually married a resident of Karachi, but her husband passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving her to live with her stepson.
Viral Video Leads to Her Discovery
In 2022, a local YouTuber shared a video featuring Bano, recounting her story of being misled by the agent and ending up in Pakistan. The video quickly went viral on social media, leading to her daughter’s discovery in Mumbai.
Government Intervention
Following the video, authorities took notice of Hameeda Bano’s case and coordinated with Indian officials to verify her citizenship. Once her identity was confirmed, arrangements were made for her return.
On Monday, Bano finally crossed into India via the Wagah border, marking the end of her decades-long ordeal.
Emotional Return
Expressing mixed emotions, Bano shared that while she initially felt disappointment about leaving Pakistan, she was now overjoyed to reunite with her family in India.
Her story highlights the struggles faced by individuals caught in cross-border circumstances and the impact of social media in reconnecting lost families.
