After 18 Years: Sri Lankan Woman's Journey Home from Pakistan

A Sri Lankan woman, Rashina, stranded in Pakistan for 18 years due to a heavy fine for overstaying her visa, will reunite with her children in Colombo. Assistance from charitable organizations and legal aid led to the waiver of her fine, enabling her return on December 2.

A Sri Lankan woman, Rashina, who remained stranded in Pakistan for 18 years, is finally able to return to Colombo due to support from charitable organizations and legal assistance.

Rashina was unable to pay a hefty fine for overstaying her visa, which kept her in Karachi as an illegal alien. Financial help from the Abdul Sattar Edhi Foundation, Saylani, and legal advocacy by human rights lawyer Zia Awan led to the waiver of her fine by the Sindh High Court, permitting her to leave Pakistan.

Over her years in Pakistan, Rashina experienced profound hardship, including the loss of her husband and undergoing heart surgery. Despite these challenges, the community's support gave her hope, eventually paving the way for her long-awaited journey back to Sri Lanka.

(With inputs from agencies.)