A long and painful chapter for one family affected by Pakistan’s 2005 earthquake has finally come to an end. The remains of five-year-old Jamal Shafiq, who went missing during the devastating disaster, were discovered 21 years later during excavation work at his family’s home in Balakot.
According to reports, Jamal was buried under the family house when the powerful earthquake struck in October 2005.
Despite extensive searches carried out after the disaster, his family was never able to find him. For more than two decades, they lived with the uncertainty of not knowing what had happened to their young son.
During recent reconstruction work on the house, workers reportedly found a child’s clothes while digging. They continued the excavation and later recovered Jamal’s remains. The discovery brought an emotional end to a search that had lasted more than 20 years.
Jamal’s father said the family searched for months after the earthquake but was unable to locate him. The recent discovery has finally given the family an opportunity to say goodbye and provide him with a proper burial.
After the remains were identified, funeral prayers were offered, and Jamal was laid to rest with dignity. Family members described the moment as deeply emotional, bringing both sadness and a sense of closure after many years of grief.
The 2005 earthquake was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Pakistan’s history, claiming thousands of lives and leaving many families with lasting pain and loss. Even decades later, stories from the disaster continue to remind people of its devastating impact.
Jamal’s story has touched many people, serving as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the earthquake and the importance of hope, remembrance, and giving families the chance to find peace, even after many years.
