Nizamuddin cleric went to Pakistan after emotional call from 90-yr-old sister

Relatives and family members of the missing Delhi clerics welcomed them back home on Monday. The two clerics arrived back after they were reported ‘missing’ in Pakistan last week.

Relatives and friends thronged Nizamis’ place on Monday morning as the news spread about their homecoming. Though they looked relieved, they said they had been worried about the health of 82-year-old Asif Nizami, who went missing in Pakistan along with his nephew on March 16.

Asif Nizami, the head priest, had decided to go to Pakistan after a call from his sister in Karachi. (HT PHOTO)

Amir Nizami, son of Asif, said the latter had been sceptical about visiting Karachi because of his health but still made the trip as his sister insisted. Senior Nizami’s sister, who is 90, settled in Karachi after she got married.

“My father decided to go after an emotional phone call from my paternal aunt who said she wanted to meet him once before she dies,” said Amir.

From the airport, Asif and his nephew Nazim reached the Nizamuddin dargah to seek blessings. After addressing the media at the dargah complex, he went home.

Asif said he was tired and wanted to rest. His brother, Sajid, who was coordinating with Indian government officials said the duo have not rested for the last three-four days. He, however, refused to divulge details of their disappearance.

As both reached home, relatives hugged and wished them. They also enquired about the health of senior Nizami. “We have not slept since the news of their disappearance broke. Male family members were busy talking to government officials and relatives in Pakistan. Women in the family were continuously praying for their safe return. We are relieved and it’s like celebration at home,” said a family member.

Amir Nizami said he is finally feeling relaxed and would go to Ajmer to visit Khawaja Gharibo Nawaz’s dargah. “I regularly go to Mia Saheba’s Dargah (mother of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia) in Adhchini but have not been going because of this trouble. Now, things will come back to normal. But before that I plan to go to Baba Ajmer Sharif’s dargah,” he said.