After a long period of separation, Hikmat, a young Afghan child, has finally been reunited with his family, marking a deeply emotional and meaningful success made possible through the dedicated efforts of Mera Pyara - Virtual Center for Child Safety, working under the vision of Punjab Safe Cities Authority.
Hikmat had gone missing in Pakistan and was found alone in a vulnerable condition. A kind-hearted individual ensured his safety by admitting him to Edhi Foundation at Edhi Center Islamabad, where he was provided care, protection, and shelter. Far from his homeland, he continued to live in a shelter, away from his loved ones.
In July 2024, Mera Pyara was established with a mission to identify and reunite missing and vulnerable children with their families, inspiring trust among stakeholders. As part of a nationwide campaign, the team took responsibility for tracing children living in shelter homes across the country. The Mera Pyara team conducted interviews, collected initial data from records, and integrated all information into a centralized digital system and unified data center.
Hikmat was among those children. During his interview, he shared his name and mentioned Afghanistan as his home country. Recognizing this crucial detail, the Mera Pyara team took immediate action and coordinated with the Afghan Embassy in Quetta, as well as other local and international partners, to facilitate his safe return.
The embassy facilitated the sharing of Hikmat’s interview in Afghanistan through social media platforms and community networks. By the grace of Allah, the video reached his family. His uncle saw the video online and immediately recognized him.
Following proper verification and confirmation, which included biometric checks and identity verification, the Mera Pyara team coordinated with relevant authorities and the embassy to ensure a safe and dignified return. Hikmat was successfully repatriated to Afghanistan and reunited with his family.
This successful reunification underscores the importance of cross-border coordination, technology, and humanitarian commitment, demonstrating a collective effort that can inspire continued international collaboration.
Due to these impactful efforts, Mera Pyara - Virtual Center for Child Safety has been recognised globally and selected as one of the Top 20 E-Government initiatives at the WSIS Forum 2026, fostering pride and encouraging ongoing support. Achieving this milestone within just a short period reflects the program’s effectiveness and growing international recognition.
Mera Pyara continues its mission to ensure that every child, regardless of borders, finds their way back home.
You can also read another inspiring reunification story of a lost child, Anum, who was reunited with his family after 19 years of separation through the efforts of Mera Pyara.