Indian woman leaves for home for reunion with family 12 years after straying into Pakistan

Indian national Geeta greets media with a traditional Indian "namaste" prior her departure from the international airport in Karachi, Pakistan, Monday, Oct. 26, 2015. Geeta, who is deaf and mute, accidentally crossed the border into Pakistan from India as a child nearly 12 years ago, left for Delhi after Indian authorities issued her travel document, local media reported. (AP Photo/Shakil Adil) (The Associated Press)

Faisal Edhi, left, head of Edhi Foundation, presents a bouquet of flowers to Indian national Geeta prior her departure from Karachi, Pakistan, Monday, Oct. 26, 2015. Geeta, who is deaf and mute, accidentally crossed the border into Pakistan from India as a child nearly 12 years ago, left for Delhi after Indian authorities issued her travel document, local media reported. (AP Photo/Shakil Adil) (The Associated Press)

A spokesman for a Pakistani charity says an Indian woman who accidently crossed the border into Pakistan as a child 12 years ago has left for New Delhi hoping to be reunited with her family.

Faisal Edhi, the spokesman for the Edhi Foundation, says the woman, Geeta, who is deaf and mute, departed the Pakistani city of Karachi by plane Monday morning.

He says Geeta, who goes by one name and is now about 23 years old, has been looked after by the foundation since authorities handed her over to the charity soon after she entered Pakistan in 2003.

Edhi says Geeta recognized her family through pictures provided by Indian diplomats.

India's External Affairs Ministry says Geeta will be returned to her family after a DNA test is conducted.