News Desk
Karachi — A 33-year-old U.S. citizen, Onijah Andrew Robinson, found herself stranded in Karachi after a romantic trip to meet an online boyfriend went awry. Robinson, who arrived in October to marry 19-year-old Nidal Ahmed Memon, was abandoned by her partner after he cited family objections and has since become unreachable.
After being left without support, Robinson spent nearly 30 hours outside Memon’s apartment, reportedly refusing to return home to the U.S. She was eventually taken to a Chhipa shelter after she appeared to be in a vulnerable state.
Her situation gained attention when she held a press conference in which she pleaded for financial support, claiming she needed $100,000 to help develop Pakistan. In a viral video from the event, Robinson urgently requested $20,000, citing plans to repair roads and buildings in Pakistan.
Authorities in Karachi have intervened due to concerns over Robinson’s mental health. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Syed Asad Raza confirmed that Robinson had been admitted to the psychiatric ward at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and that local police had contacted the federal government for advice regarding her medical care and the process of her deportation.
A letter from South Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mahzoor Ali outlined the details of Robinson’s arrival in Pakistan on October 11. It stated that Robinson came to visit Memon but was left abandoned when he failed to appear. Since then, she had reportedly wandered around Karachi, posing a danger to herself.
Authorities believe that Robinson’s mental health deteriorated due to the abandonment and subsequent media attention. The letter highlighted that individuals with “ulterior motives” approached her, further exacerbating her vulnerabilities.
Despite offers from local officials to extend her visa and arrange her return to the U.S., Robinson refused to cooperate. The authorities have now requested guidance from the Sindh government and federal agencies for a swift resolution to her medical treatment and deportation.
At present, Robinson remains under medical supervision in Karachi, with her return home being prioritized. Her case has sparked both concern and sympathy, with some questioning the dangers of online relationships and the risks they pose to vulnerable individuals abroad.
