Nizamuddin Dargah head priest, nephew missing in Pakistan; New Delhi takes up matter with Islamabad

Syed Wazir was able to talk to Syed Asif when the Shaheen Air flight landed at Karachi airport at 6 pm. “Asif uncle did not come out of the airport even after hours had passed. When Shaheen Air officials at Lahore airport were approached, they said that some people had come and taken Asif with them…it was quite mysterious,” he told The Indian Express.

He added that his uncle had told him he was not feeling well. “…since Lahore was quite cold, and wanted to come out of the airport quickly. He had asked me whether I had reached the airport or not. I told him I was waiting outside.’’

Syed Wazir said his uncle’s phone was switched off since then. “…humlog bahut pareshan hain (we are very worried),’’ he said. “The duo were set to return on March 20…we are hoping and praying for their safe return.’’

Syed Wazir has shared his uncle’s mobile number as well as that of the anonymous caller with the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The mission has shared the details with the Pakistan government. Sources said that the Nizamis approached the High Commission on Thursday morning after they waited until late night for Syed Asif to return.

“The Indian High Commission immediately approached the Pakistan foreign ministry. But there has been no communication from the two missing Indians so far,” a government source said. Pakistan government sources said they were looking into the matter and have urged families to be patient.

A part of the Nizami family has been living in Karachi since Partition while clerics from Nizamuddin Dargah and the Daata Darbar visit these shrines in Delhi and Lahore regularly. Officials are exercising restraint and not wanting to jump to conclusions. New Delhi is concerned in the wake of recent incidents in Pakistan. In February, 72 people were killed in an attack on a Sufi shrine.