After being trafficked to Pakistan under the pretense of a job in Dubai, 75-year-old Hamida Banu has finally returned home to India, thanks to a chance discovery made by her grandson in a YouTube interview.
Woman Trafficked to Pakistan for 22 Years Returns to India After Family Reunion
Woman Trafficked to Pakistan for 22 Years Returns to India After Family Reunion
Hamida Banu's incredible journey across borders highlights the perils of human trafficking and the enduring power of family ties.
An Indian woman, Hamida Banu, has finally returned to her home in India after spending 22 harrowing years in Pakistan. Her journey back came to fruition 18 months after her grandson discovered her in a YouTube video, leading to her long-awaited reunion with her family.
Describing her experience, the 75-year-old Banu stated that she felt like a "living corpse" during the two decades she spent in Pakistan, where she was unable to communicate with her loved ones. Tricked into leaving for a supposed job in Dubai in 2002, Banu instead found herself being taken to Hyderabad, Pakistan, where she was held captive for three months. Later, she married a street vendor and remained in Karachi until his death during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Her story gained wider attention in July 2022 when Indian journalist Khalfan Shaikh stumbled upon her interview, conducted by Pakistani social media activist Waliullah Maroof. The video reached Banu’s family in India when her grandson, unfamiliar with her plight, recognized her. Following this revelation, arrangements were made for Banu to contact her family.
Upon her recent return to India, Banu expressed her elation at being reunited with her children and siblings. Addressing her family through a video call before her return, she candidly shared her experiences, saying, "I missed you all so much. I didn’t stay here willingly, I had no other choice."
Reflecting on the entire ordeal, Banu mentioned the help she received from the Indian embassy, which facilitated her repatriation. Grateful yet hesitant, she added, "I have brothers, sisters, children there [in India], but I don’t want to be a burden on anyone." Banu's incredible journey highlights the profound impact of human connections and the ongoing concerns surrounding human trafficking in the region.
