Molly or Misbah?

The story of young Molly Campbell who disappeared from Stornoway last Friday, took a new twist earlier today when she appeared in a press conference in Lahore, Pakistan. The 12-year old spoke in a press conference, flanked by her father. She said she wanted to stay in Pakistan for ever, and wanted to be with her family. Molly, or Misbah as she preferred to be called, explained that she had left Stornoway for that reason.

Molly / Misbah grew up in Blackburn, Lancashire [northern England] with her parents. She was given an Islamic education there. After her parents' separation, she went to live with her father's side of the family in Pakistan. Before coming to Stornoway 9 months ago, Molly lived in Kintyre with her mother. She has 3 older siblings, who all live in Pakistan. Last Friday, her older sister picked her up in Stornoway, and Misbah was said to be delighted to be taken away. She is even reported as having paid for the trip herself.

This is a family split, like there are thousands in the UK and beyond. This one transcends borders and cultures. The mother has legal custody of Molly, and it's going to be a court's decision where she will live. Misbah's wish to remain in Pakistan is likely to be taken into account.