Deaf-mute Geeta returns home: Edhi Foundation lauds Indo-Pak govt's efforts

Karachi: Faisal Edhi, Director of the Edhi Foundation, which had taken care of Geeta, the deaf-mute Indian woman living in Pakistan after accidentally crossing the border over a decade ago, has extended his heartfelt gratitude to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan Foreign Ministry and the media in both countries for helping Geeta find her family in India.

"I would like to thank Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry and Indian and Pakistani media. They helped a lot in finding Geeta's family," Edhi said.

"She has been with us for almost 13 years. Now it is time for her to return," he added,

Geeta left from Karachi and is expected to land in New Delhi by 10: 20 AM today, after which she is expected to meet External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Deaf-mute Indian woman, Geeta meets with friends before leaving for the airport from the EDHI Foundation in Karachi on October 26, 2015. Pic/ AFP

Geeta had identified her family from a photograph sent to her by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

She will be handed over to her real parents only after the DNA test. The Ministry said that if the DNA does not match, then she will be accommodated at either of the two identified institutions in Delhi and Indore.

Geeta was reportedly just 7 or 8 years old when she was found sitting alone on the Samjhauta Express by the Pakistan Rangers 15 years ago at the Lahore railway station. The Police then took her to the Edhi Foundation in Lahore and later she was shifted to Karachi.

Deaf-mute Indian woman, Geeta meets with friends before leaving for the airport from the EDHI Foundation in Karachi on October 26, 2015. Pic/ AFP