The girls can board scheduled flights from Pakistan, subject to ICA approval, which the family is eagerly waiting.
With her twin daughters stuck in Islamabad, Dubai resident Naheed Bilal is waiting for the day when she would see her little ones again. A short trip of 10 days in March has turned out to be an endless wait for this Dubai mother.
“I have triplets – two daughters and one son. My daughters left with their grandmother and aunt for a short trip to Pakistan. Little did we realise that travel restrictions will be imposed due to Covid-19 and we’ll be separated for this long.
“My children are inconsolable over the phone and video calls. They’ve never been away for so long. I and my husband have been relentlessly trying and applying everywhere possible so that we can be reunited with our daughters,” Naheed said, fighting back tears over the telephone.
Being separated in distant lands, the girls missed their brother on their birthday this May. “On their birthday, May 13, they cried a lot. This was the first birthday when all the three weren’t together. They also miss their older brother who is nine years old. They kept telling me that they want to return to the UAE. It’s difficult to explain to children what the situation is. You cannot always rationalise with kids. ”
Recalling the time when her triplets were born, Naheed said: “My children were born at Latifa hospital, where I was also born. I have been living in this city for 40 years. Dubai is home ever since I opened my eyes. I just want my children also back home now. We can’t wait to see them here.”
Nabeel’s father-in-law, who lives with the family in Dubai, has constantly been trying to reassure her. “Their grandfather keeps telling me that I should imagine as if I’ve sent them to a hostel to study, instead of feeling depressed. Despite trying to counsel me, the house feels so empty without them. Everything reminds me of them and I feel terrible after the video calls as they always sob when they see me across. It’s not easy to be away from your children, especially when they are so young.”
The girls can board scheduled flights from Pakistan to the UAE, subject to ICA approval, which the family is eagerly waiting.
