Pakistani mother begs to be reunited with son stuck in India
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KARACHI: A Pakistani mother whose son has been stuck in India for years begged on Friday for them to be reunited after they made contact last month for the first time since 2008.
In a story mirroring that of Geeta, the deaf-mute Indian woman who returned to Delhi this week after spending more than ten years trapped in Pakistan, Mohammad Ramazan wandered into India years ago without a passport and has been trapped there ever since.
Around six weeks ago his mother Razia Begum, who lives in Karachi, stumbled across his story and photograph on the Internet.
Now 15, Ramazan was found by the charity Childline in Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh state, two years ago and has been cared for by them ever since.
“When I heard about him, well... I cannot express in words my immense affection as a mother,” his mother said tearfully on Friday.
Read more: Grateful over Geeta's return, Modi donates INR10m to Edhi Foundation
“For so many years he has been far from me. I earnestly desire that he should live with me now,” she said. Ramazan's parents divorced in 2004, and his father took him to Bangladesh in 2008 without his mother's knowledge, she said.
Claiming he was abused by his father and stepmother, Ramazan ran away, straying into India where he wandered from town to town, sleeping and eating at shrines and railway stations before being picked up by Childline in Bhopal.
Know more: Geeta returns home, but fails to find family
Director Archana Sahal said this week that he speaks regularly with his mother since they made contact a month ago, and the pair have exchanged videos and photographs.
Ramazan's identity has been established “beyond any doubt”, she said.
Sahay said the Indian government has told the charity they are waiting for Pakistan to put in a formal request for his repatriation.
In Pakistan, the Ansar Burny Trust has requested the government's help in bringing Ramazan home, the human rights organisation's director Shagufta Burny said on Friday.
“Only a border is in between... there should be flexibility so that the child can reunite with his mother,” Burny said.
“When I speak to my mother, we both cry,” Ramazan told AFP in Bhopal.
“I want to go back to my home as soon as possible... I want to be with my mother. Just like Geeta came to India, I will be sent to Pakistan.”
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (83) Closed
Oct 30, 2015 08:50pm
He will unite with her mother very soon. Process has been started.
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Oct 30, 2015 08:55pm
Pakistan Govt should raise this with India
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Oct 30, 2015 08:57pm
Yes India it is your turn to be kind to our kid; hope Geeta and Ramzan case will open the boarders for innocents stuck at each side
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Oct 30, 2015 08:57pm
Both India and Pakistan have great people full of kindness and generosity. The challenge both nations face is how to over come the zealots and ultra nationalists.
We Pakistanis must thank the good people who are running this wonderful organization Childline in Bhopal, India.
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Oct 30, 2015 08:57pm
Pakistan govt should assist her husband with land and job so that he can migrate to Pakistan.
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Oct 30, 2015 09:01pm
he should be immediately sent to pakista as soon as pakistn accepts he is palistani citizen
geeta debt is paid n kind
well india too has a heart my friends
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Oct 30, 2015 09:10pm
Why is Pakistan waiting ? It should immediately request India the way India did proactively for Geeta .The boy should be united with his mother as soon as possible.
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Oct 30, 2015 09:14pm
nice to hear they are in contact. God answered the prayers and paved the way for mom-son to be reunited sooner. nothing better than a mother's joyous tears.
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Oct 30, 2015 09:15pm
Pakistan Govt should precess the request as soon as posible.
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Oct 30, 2015 09:19pm
Don't worry mother we will send him very safely
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Oct 30, 2015 09:22pm
Pakistani Govt. should ask Shiv Sena to send the kid back to Pakistan
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Oct 30, 2015 09:22pm
@Rich - People are not commodities and is not matter of "debt" being repaid. It's a matter of humanity!
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Oct 30, 2015 09:24pm
Immediate action should be taken on this issue.....
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Oct 30, 2015 09:24pm
gosh, how complicated a situation can get for a kid. Gets separated from mom, gets abused by dad and step mom in a foreign country, strays into another foreign country. Hopefully it has very good happy ending for the kid.
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Oct 30, 2015 09:27pm
A little different story vis.a.vis.Geeta,but now got satisfied that Ansar Burney is here and Childline in India,inshallah Ramazan will be back home soon.It is hoped now Pakistan will cooperate on priority basis.It is now pertinent for both the countries to ease travel restrictions and understand the people to people contact is important.After all the DNA of the people are identical.
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Oct 30, 2015 09:28pm
@ishtiaq khan , no need to raise anything . Indian foreign ministry has already started the process the moment they came to know about this and hopefully ramzan will soon be with his mother.
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Oct 30, 2015 09:41pm
I sincerely hope that the kid can be back in Pakistan as soon as possible
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Oct 30, 2015 09:41pm
@rich this not debt exchange this is humanity.They were gracious enough to look after Geeta.India has done like wise with this boy.
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Oct 30, 2015 09:42pm
@ishtiaq khan, read the entire story before commenting. Everyone including Indian government is waiting for a response from Pak govt.
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Oct 30, 2015 09:42pm
Humanity prevails.
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Oct 30, 2015 09:43pm
With regards to Geeta, Indian Government (Ministry of External Affairs headed by Mrs.Sushma Swaraj) played a pivotal role in bringing her back. In the case of Ramazan, his repatriation is in the hands of Pakistan Government.
"Sahay said the Indian government has told the charity they are waiting for Pakistan to put in a formal request for his repatriation.".
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Oct 30, 2015 09:49pm
Come on Pakistan hurry up and complete this process so that this boy can run in to his mother's arms.
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Oct 30, 2015 09:56pm
First DNA test should be done to determine the boys parent.
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Oct 30, 2015 10:12pm
all such issues are needed to be resolved immediately on humanitarian ground by both the countries.
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Oct 30, 2015 10:18pm
No Mother should go through this situation. The indian govt should send this KID home with good health and some financial assistance so that he can take care of his Mother.What is pakistani govt waiting for ??
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Oct 30, 2015 10:32pm
If he is not a terrorist, then India should send him back to Pakistan. It's that simple.
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Oct 30, 2015 11:28pm
Just watched Ramchand Pakistani. Such a good movie about this topic.
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Oct 30, 2015 11:41pm
I am sure the government of india will consider positively as it an issue of young innocent boy. Please take up the matter MEA, India who will take this matter sympathetically & promptly & follow it up until a logical conclusion
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Oct 30, 2015 11:43pm
Poor kid is already abused by his father, the last thing he needs is being separated from his mother.
There are plenty of innocent folks stuck on both sides of the border. Time to establish a speedy channel to get this done quickly.
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Oct 31, 2015 12:01am
When the boy was found, Childline approached PMO to get the boy repatriated. The problem was proving his legal identity. Since the boy doesn't have any proof that he is Pakistani citizen and his mother could not be located earlier. So after raising the issue with Pakistan, PMO told Childline that the case was closed because Pakistan refused to accept him as Pakistani citizen. The boy's story and photo was posted online and his mother spotted it online - that is how the case has been opened again. As soon as Pakistan officially accepts him to be Pakistani citizen and requests repatriation, he would be reunited with his mother.
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Oct 31, 2015 12:14am
The young boy should be with Parents. Also thanks to the organization that kept him for so many years.
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Oct 31, 2015 12:28am
@ishtiaq khan
The Pakistan Govt knows about this.. Rightly without definite proof that he is a Pakistani Citizen, Pakistan cannot take action.
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Oct 31, 2015 12:30am
Just a thought. Since his father is in Bangladesh wouldn't he claim him also.
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Oct 31, 2015 12:48am
Thank you Childline. We should get him back. Government should act on it swiftly.
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Oct 31, 2015 12:50am
India has no heart. No need to beg. I feel for this women. Hoping there is one Eidhi or Ansar Burney somewhere in India.
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Oct 31, 2015 12:51am
A mechanism should be devised so that people like these can be sent without the whole time consuming procedure.... How hard is it really to put him on a plane and send him to Pakistan? It is less than a four hour trip from Delhi to Islamabad, but the age old rivalry, mistrust, wars, etc have turned the distance into lightyears....as leaders wage war, it is the poor that suffer like this....they pay with their lives. Hope India and Pakistan can solve their outstanding issues with mutual respect and understanding on both sides.
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Oct 31, 2015 01:48am
India should do the right thing and make all efforts to unite this mother with her son.
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Oct 31, 2015 01:57am
Is someone starting a petition for this? Let me know, I will sign, if needed.
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Oct 31, 2015 02:19am
@PakistanFirst - what does this case have to do with Shiv Sena?
@Jawad - please read the details of the case first before accusing Indians of lacking heart. There is no obstacle from India's side towards returning this child to his mother. Both sides have to verify that he is indeed who he is, because there is no proof of identity. In the meantime, he was given shelter in India, just like Geeta was in Pakistan. There are good people on both sides of the border.
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Oct 31, 2015 02:30am
India's turn to show humanity and reunite this family
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Oct 31, 2015 03:03am
Now it makes me wonder how many kids are separated from their families like this. Looks like it is not just one or two cases. May be there are thousands of children like that.
Both countries must work on this issue and see children are united with their families.
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Oct 31, 2015 03:15am
It shows that there are institutions like Edhi in India.
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Oct 31, 2015 04:20am
Respect of humanity has to be supreme in all situations, The movie Bajrangi Bhaijan has really touched every noble Indian and Pakistani heart and certainly presented an excellent message, I am sure both countries have enough resources and understanding to identify the innocent individuals and help them go to their country.
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Oct 31, 2015 04:53am
Sushmaji already ready to give a grand farewell to Ramzan.Only thing is that they are waiting for a formal request from Pakistan.Now the ball is in Pakistan's court regarding this.
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Oct 31, 2015 04:59am
Let's get over 1947 and realize there are two giants in south Asia i.e. India and Pakistan they both need to grow up. I think good idea would be that pakistani community should say, take kashmir to India and Indian community should say take kashmir to pakistan and both shouldn't agree to own it. In this way the politicians will fail, and community will win.
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Oct 31, 2015 05:12am
This boy should be reunited with his mother. It is cruel to keep them separated. I hope sanity will prevail.
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Oct 31, 2015 06:34am
May no child be ever without the blessings of her mother. Heaven lies in Mother's feet.
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Oct 31, 2015 06:36am
@Md , what is this nonsense, why shall government provide land to him (the father), on what ground? He left for Bangladesh on his own volition and left behind his wife, separated her from her son as well. that is not humane. Let him live his life where he is and finds himself at home. Let the child be united with her mother. In mother's feet lies the heaven.
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Oct 31, 2015 06:46am
@Jawad , This is not the time to politicking. Indian institution has taken care of the boy and all depends upon our government to facilitate his movement back to Pakistan. Let us remain humane and avoid sarcasm!
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Oct 31, 2015 08:36am
@Jawad: Perfect knee-jerk reaction! Read story first. Look up Childline in India.
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Oct 31, 2015 08:40am
He is on his way to Pakistan.
Indian govt has started the release process.
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Oct 31, 2015 08:45am
@Komal S it wont but that's your doing.
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Oct 31, 2015 09:05am
Hope RamaZan reunites with his mother soon and brings smile on her face. Glad to know that " Childline " has taken proper care of him in Bhopal and that they have made possible regular communication between the boy and his mother. Hope red tape won't keep the boy in India for a longer time than necessary and that both governments will take quick positive action so that everyone can be happy as is done in the case of Geeta.
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Oct 31, 2015 09:05am
@WaheGuru He is now 15 and was younger when he arrived in Bhopal. Obviously not a terrorist.
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Oct 31, 2015 09:07am
@PK The father from whom he ran away?
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Oct 31, 2015 09:08am
@Jawad What about Childline?
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Oct 31, 2015 09:10am
@Indian guy Children get kidnapped all the time. We need to work on that.
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Oct 31, 2015 09:17am
@zeeshandxb I agree that Kashmir needs to be solved.
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Oct 31, 2015 09:22am
world is full of good people. thumbs up to Indians for showing kindness.
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Oct 31, 2015 11:03am
All kids should be with their mothers. I pray the family unites. I request our Indian govt to process the things as early as possible. Atleast let the mother come and meet her son !
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Oct 31, 2015 11:09am
Dont worry mother, your son will be meeting soon. We are sure our govt. will take necessary action soon.
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Oct 31, 2015 11:14am
I hope he is reunited with his mother soon. Children should not have to pay the price for the follies of their elders.
Let there be some mutual agreement to repatriate nationals who inadvertently cross international borders.
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Oct 31, 2015 12:19pm
Wishing Mohammad Ramazan all the best in life. God bless.
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Oct 31, 2015 01:13pm
Pray to God that the mother and the son are reunited.
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Oct 31, 2015 03:05pm
This is a chance for Salman Khan to chip in and play Bajrangi in real life. I am going to tweet this to him.
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Oct 31, 2015 03:07pm
Indians, let's also tweet this to Sushma Swaraj and Narendra Modi. I am sure they will step in and do something about it.
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Oct 31, 2015 03:48pm
When there are so many people on both sides who love and take care of each other, why is there even a border between us ? That said, what is preventing Mr Modi to call up Mr Sharif and tell him that they can take their boy back or vice versa.
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Oct 31, 2015 03:56pm
Do we also expect from India the same in exchange of Ms. Geeta?
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Oct 31, 2015 04:11pm
Kids life should not be spoiled due to Indo Pak issues. Kid should enjoy with family as childhood never comes back.
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Oct 31, 2015 04:39pm
India show some grace now
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Oct 31, 2015 05:54pm
@ishtiaq khan Sir, The process has already started and since media is involved from both countries he will be sent to Pakistan regardless Pakistan makes a request or not.
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Oct 31, 2015 08:52pm
@Jawad How did you reach that conclusion?
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Oct 31, 2015 09:29pm
Pray Ramzan reunites with his mother at the earliest.
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Oct 31, 2015 10:33pm
Bureaucrats on both sides are corrupt & lazy/uncaring which leads to many misunderstandings. The repatriation that should be done in days will take decades due to bureaucrats.
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Oct 31, 2015 10:43pm
@Rashid Ishaq Where has anyone stopped uniting a kid with his mom ? Once Pak officially approaches India and formalities are done, the child will be back with his mom. Childline cannot take risk of giving him into irresponsible hands lest he falls into trouble.
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Oct 31, 2015 10:45pm
@rich So you took care of a destitute wandering girl and created a debt for India ?? That one statement has destroyed all the good work Edhis did.
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Oct 31, 2015 11:31pm
it is heartening that mother and son are in contact through phone. the matter is highlighted in media too. I am sure the son will sooner be with her mom . it is only a matter of time and nothing more. wish them both a happy and peaceful life.
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Nov 01, 2015 12:17am
Hope this child gets united with his family.
Great job by humanitarians in Bhopal, Karachi and elsewhere for taking care of stranded children. We all in subcontinent should take care of like this as we all belong to same ancestors!
We should send over armies of teachers, doctors, scientists over border to win each others hearts. Winning land with fighting armies and terrorists then becomes immaterial!
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Nov 01, 2015 02:46am
@Rashid Ishaq Our kid? What if his Bangladeshi father claims custody? As per Islamic Law custody could go to his Bangladeshi father.
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Nov 01, 2015 03:11am
Pakistan government should accept him as its citizen and process his paper fast . Hope this child will meet his mother very soon.
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Nov 01, 2015 03:42am
@Rashid Ishaq Maybe you should read the article one more time. The ball is in our (Pakistan) Govt. court ...to file a formal repatriation request. Hope that happens soon
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Nov 01, 2015 03:55am
Urgent steps be taken to repatriate the boy to his mother
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Nov 02, 2015 08:04am
@Jawad Typical Generalization. Grow up, at least when you see the suffering of others.
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