DUBAI: Barely a week ago, Zainab Fawad, 44, was contemplating ending her life.
Jailed, abused and separated from her twin children, the Indian divorcee had sunk into despair and had no will to live. But that’s not the case now.
In the seven odd days that have rolled by since XPRESS highlighted her plight, Zainab’s life has taken a dramatic turn with nearly 600 readers reaching out to her, offering not just food and money but also moral support and legal assistance to help her get the custody of her kids who are currently stuck in Pakistan.
“My phone has not stopped ringing since the XPRESS report. I am overwhelmed by the stunning response and have no words to thank all those who have helped me,” said Zainab in a voice choked with emotion. By Wednesday, she had got over Dh100,000 in cash and several job propositions.
“People called me from as far as UK, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, India, Canada, Pakistan and Oman. But the majority of those who contacted me were from the UAE.
Staggering response
“The way people of this beautiful country opened their hearts and doors for me is simply incredible. Many drove down to my temporary accommodation in Sharjah from places like Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. An Emirati man gave Dh30,000, Indian family brought food, a Lebanese woman gave fruits and chocolates, a Pakistani got clothes and then there were those who offered to settle my dues with the landlord… the list of is very long. May Allah shower each one of them with His choicest blessings.”
Zainab, whose visa expired in April 2016, said her priority was to legalise her status so that she could begin efforts to bring back her four-year-old twins Mustafa and Muzammil from Pakistan.
The Indian nationals have been living in Pakistan since Zainab’s husband flew them to his home country on a visit visa in late 2014. At that time Zainab was in jail as the company set up by her husband in her name had several bounced cheque cases against it.
Between July and September 2015, Zainab was arrested two more times for unpaid court fines and a case filed against her by the landlord of their home which was rented out in her name.
“My life was ruined but now I see light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t know when I will be reunited with my kids. But events of the past week have given me strength and, more importantly, hope.”
