Missing child from 2005 earthquake laid to rest after remains found 21 years later

The remains of a child who went missing during the devastating October 8, 2005, earthquake were recovered from the rubble of his family's former home in Mansehra, bringing closure to a tragedy that remained unresolved for more than two decades, 24NewsHD TV reported on Monday.

According to the family, four-year-old Jamal Shafiq disappeared after being trapped beneath the debris when the powerful earthquake struck.

Despite months of search efforts at the time, his body could not be found.

His father, Qari Shafiqur Rehman, said the remains were discovered during the reconstruction of the family home when workers were clearing old rubble from the site.

The child's uncle, Habibur Rehman, said the discovery revived painful memories of the 2005 earthquake, one of the deadliest natural disasters in Pakistan's history.

Qari Shafiqur Rehman said the family identified the remains through the child's clothes and shoes.

Although the discovery came after many years, he expressed gratitude to Allah that his son had finally been found and could be given a proper burial.

The remains of Jamal Shafiq were later laid to rest in a nearby graveyard, bringing a long-awaited sense of closure to the grieving family.