LAHORE: A woman has been reunited with her family after 22 years through the 'Mera Pyara' project of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA), officials said on Thursday.
Details of the Case
According to a spokesperson, the woman, identified as Shagufta, went missing from Lahore in 2004 at the age of 12. She had been facing mental health challenges at the time and subsequently lived at a welfare institution in Karachi. Meanwhile, her family continued searching for her for over two decades.
Role of Social Media
The 'Mera Pyara' team shared an interview and a childhood photo of Shagufta on social media platforms. Her sister, upon seeing the video, immediately recognized her. This led to a formal process of verification.
Following legal formalities, including DNA testing conducted by relevant authorities, the relationship was confirmed. Shagufta was officially handed over to her family, bringing an end to a long and painful separation.
The PSCA spokesperson highlighted the effectiveness of the 'Mera Pyara' project in reuniting missing persons with their families, emphasizing the use of technology and community engagement.
