US woman stuck in Karachi demands $5,000 per week and more

Onijah Andrew Robinson went to Karachi's Garden area to visit the home of the local man who had rejected her.

Listen to article

An US woman, Onijah Andrew Robinson, caused a stir in Karachi after demanding $5,000 per week and expressing her desire to become a Pakistani citizen following a failed relationship with a local man.

Robinson, 33, had traveled to Pakistan in October 2024 to marry 19-year-old Nidal Ahmed Memon, after the two allegedly entered an online relationship.

However, upon her arrival, Memon, under pressure from his family, refused to marry her, leaving Robinson stranded in Karachi.

With an expired tourist visa and nowhere to stay, Robinson went to Memon's home in the Garden area, only to find his family had vacated the house and locked it up.

Desperate and with no support, she staged a sit-in outside the residence and took shelter in the building’s parking area. Her actions drew attention from residents and passersby, leading to growing concerns about safety.

As the situation dragged, Robinson made a striking demand, stating, "You got to give me $5000 per week. I’m becoming a citizen of Pakistan." She further threatened to not leave unless her demands were met. This led to intervention by local authorities.

SDPO Clifton Faiza Sodhar later met with Robinson, addressing her concerns and transferring her to a women’s police station for her safety and well-being.

Robinson meanwhile insisted on returning to the Garden area, where Memon had abandoned her.

Police sources later said that Memon had been detained and wuestioned while his family had already vacated the house.

Earlier, Robinson had also caused a delay at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport after refusing to board her flight back to the United States.

Despite assistance from the US Consulate and a return ticket being arranged, Robinson resisted immigration clearance, causing a 36-minute delay.

In the aftermath, the Sindh government and JDC Foundation intervened, purchasing a return ticket for Robinson and covering her medical expenses, ensuring she could finally return to the United States after a week of uncertainty.