She said her husband often ignored her
A 19-year-old Tunisian woman is stranded in Karachi after her marriage to a Pakistani man, whom she met online, ended abruptly in divorce.
Sanda Ayari arrived in Pakistan on November 28, 2024, to marry Muhammad Amir.
The two had reportedly connected through Facebook. They tied the knot the very next day, November 29.
The couple registered their marriage formally on March 6, 2025, at the Union Council in Baghdadi, Lyari.
However, just a few months into the union, Muhammad divorced her, leaving Sanda without financial support or legal status.
Her visa has since expired. Unable to return to Tunisia or extend her stay, she sought help from the Women’s Police Station in Liaquatabad.
According to the police, Sanda filed a formal complaint and was provided temporary shelter.
No claims of physical abuse were made in the Tunisian woman’s initial report.
SHO Uzma Khan confirmed that Muhammad was summoned and admitted to the divorce before walking out of the station.
Sanda, however, later described an emotionally distressing experience in her brief marriage.
She said her husband often ignored her and dismissed her concerns, leading to frequent arguments.
During one of their disputes, she claimed he slapped her. When she retaliated, he allegedly twisted her hands.
She also accused Muhammad’s father of assault. She said:
“I asked him to stay out of our marital issues, but he beat me on the face.”
She added that the turmoil pushed her into a state of depression.
The teenager now faces severe financial hurdles.
A return ticket to Tunisia would cost hundreds and visa renewal would reportedly cost more than Rs 225,000 (£580).
She has appealed to the Pakistani government for an exit permit and financial help to return home.
Responding to media coverage, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has taken notice of the situation.
Officials from the Ministry of Interior have requested her documentation.
They have also advised Sanda to apply online for an immediate exit permit.
On the other hand, Muhammad’s family has given a very contrasting account of things.
The family stated that they had repeatedly warned her not to come to Pakistan.
They said:
“We told her we couldn’t afford to support her, but she insisted.”
They also alleged her “odd behaviour” disrupted the household and contributed to the marital breakdown.
This case follows a similar incident involving an American woman, once again raising concerns about cross-border relationships.
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