Zehra Kazmiโ€™s disappearance has been one of Pakistanโ€™s most talked-about cases due to its unusual circumstances. The case involved Dua Kazmi, a young schoolgirl from Karachi, who vanished from her home on April 16, 2022. She was later found in Okara, drawing widespread media attention and becoming a significant concern for parents nationwide.

Dua’s father, Mehdi Kazmi, dedicated himself to the relentless pursuit of her safe return. His efforts paid off in January 2023. When a court awarded him and his wife custody of Dua, she is now safely reunited with her family.

Read more: How To Save Yourself From Rising Social Media Scams

Dua Kazmi, A Wake-Up Call for Parents

Recently, Mehdi Kazmi appeared on the podcast hosted by Shehzad Ghias Sheikh. During the episode, Kazmi discussed in detail how his daughter was lured through the chat features of online games. A feature he had been unaware of.

Mehdi Kazmi said, โ€œI did not know that anything like this could happen through PUBG. For me, it was just a game. Once I heard a few voices of players in the background while she was playing. I immediately stopped her from playing PUBG, and after that, she didnโ€™t play it in front of me. I could never expect that a game could be this dangerous.” And truly so. The dangers of social media keep coming forward, its high time actions are taken to prevent them.

He further explained, โ€œAccording to her statement in court, it all started from PUBG, where they began talking to each other. After PUBG, they shifted to another game called Clash of Clans. Basically, they connected through gaming.โ€

Recalling the day of the incident, Mehdi Kazmi said, โ€œIt happened during Ramadan. I was at home when my wife noticed the door was open and our daughter was missing. We searched the house but couldnโ€™t find her, so we had no option but to report it to the police. We filed an FIR, and the legal procedures began.

It is traumatising to learn that this is the reality of gaming. Platforms designed to bring people together are causing more harm than doing any good.

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Mahnoor Rashid
Mahnoor Rashid is a student with a love for writing. She is an eccentric artist, fond of Muslim architecture. Currently, as a freelance writer, she explores the latest news and the depths of Pakistan's history and culture, while drawn to marketing's intriguing nuances. When not writing, Mahnoor is found adoring animals.