her father was convinced that she was being manipulated.
Dua Zehra, a schoolgirl from Karachi, vanished from her home on April 16, 2022, sparking widespread concern and empathy across the country.
Her father, Mehdi Kazmi, embarked on a relentless quest for his daughter’s safe return.
After a period of uncertainty, Dua Zehra was eventually found in Okara, married to a boy she allegedly met online.
Dua gave a statement to the press that she escaped because she faced domestic abuse at the hands of her parents.
The girl also stated that she was happily married to the boy with her consent.
However, her father was convinced that she was being manipulated. He kept fighting for his daughter.
In a turn of events, Dua Zehra’s parents successfully secured her custody through legal proceedings in January 2023.
Mehdi shared his family’s ordeal and the lessons learned from their experience on The Pakistan Experience podcast.
In a candid discussion with Shehzad Ghias Sheikh, he recounted how his daughter had fallen prey to online predators through gaming.
He mentioned the games PUBG and Clash of Clans.
Expressing his shock and regret over the unforeseen dangers lurking within seemingly innocuous games, Mehdi Kazmi emphasised the importance of parental vigilance.
He said: “I never could have known that a game could lead to such a situation. My daughter did not even have a phone.
“She had a tablet just for studies and gaming purposes. She didn’t even have a phone number.”
He stressed the significance of monitoring children’s online activities.
Reflecting on the incident, he revealed his initial lack of awareness regarding the potential risks associated with online gaming.
Detailing the sequence of events that led to Dua’s disappearance, Mehdi described the day of the incident.
He recalled: “I slept at 11. My wife woke me up at 12 saying that the door was open and our girl was missing.
“We started searching for her but after a few hours I knew I had no choice but to register an FIR.”
Subsequent investigations and Dua’s own testimony revealed a disturbing narrative of how she was lured away through deceptive means.
These were orchestrated by individuals who had meticulously planned the abduction.
Mehdi revealed: “He called her outside. The narrative that was built for the other side was all made up to save themselves.
“They put it all on my girl that she came by herself.
“They had tried to get her out of the house 10 days prior to the incident but she didn’t go. Then they threatened her.”
Furthermore, Mehdi Kazmi opened up about the arduous legal journey that ultimately led to his daughter’s safe return.
He is also convinced that the people who lured his daughter are part of a gang and something bigger.
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of admiration and support for the resolute father.
Revered as a beacon of strength and resilience, Mehdi Kazmi has been hailed as a hero and a role model for fathers everywhere.
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