AI Technology Helps Pakistani Woman Reunite With Family After 17-Year Separation

Artificial intelligence technology has successfully reunited a Pakistani woman with her family after a separation spanning 17 years.

A decade-old missing person report, combined with cutting-edge facial recognition software and AI technology, made it possible for a young woman from Pakistan to find her family after nearly two decades apart.

Kiran, known by her first name only, became lost in 2008 when she ventured out to purchase ice cream in her Islamabad neighborhood and couldn't remember her way home or address.

"I was lost and in tears. A compassionate woman found me and took me to the Edhi Centre in Islamabad because I couldn't recall any details," explained 27-year-old Kiran.

Shortly afterward, Bilquis Edhi, spouse of the late Abdul Sattar Edhi who established the 'Edhi Foundation' NGO, brought Kiran to Karachi.

From that point forward, Kiran was raised under Bilquis's guardianship at the Abdul Sattar Edhi shelter home located in Karachi.

Sabah Faisal Edhi, wife of current foundation chairperson Faisal Edhi, described numerous unsuccessful attempts to locate Kiran's family through visits to Islamabad.

"We connected with Nabeel Ahmed, a cybersecurity expert working with Punjab's Safe City Project, earlier this year. We provided him with Kiran's recent photographs and the limited childhood memories she could share about her neighborhood," Sabah explained.

Nabeel took particular interest in resolving the case. He discovered a police report about a missing girl in Islamabad and employed advanced AI technology, facial recognition, and tracking software to successfully locate her family.

Shortly thereafter, Abdul Majeed, who works as a tailor, traveled to Karachi to reunite with his daughter.

He recounted years of searching for Kiran without success. "We even published her photo in newspapers, but received no information," Majeed said. He had abandoned hope of seeing his daughter again until representatives from Punjab's Safe City Project contacted him with news they had found her.

An elated Kiran expressed mixed emotions: "While I'm sad to leave my family here, I will forever be grateful to Bilquis apa and her family members for providing such wonderful care for all of us."

Kiran is the fifth girl from the Edhi shelter home whose family has been successfully located, as the Foundation now collaborates closely with police departments and Safe City Projects throughout Pakistan.