Tunisian Woman Attempts Suicide After Divorce in Lyari

A young Tunisian woman attempted suicide in Karachi’s Lyari area following her divorce from a Pakistani husband. Local law enforcement reported the incident, and the interior ministry has intervened, offering an exit permit after the story gained media attention.

Senda Ayari, 19, a Tunisian national, connected with Muhammad Amir, a resident of Khadda Market, Lyari, via social media. Their online friendship evolved into a romantic relationship, culminating in marriage. Senda traveled to Karachi on a Pakistani visa on November 28, 2024, specifically to marry Amir.

Initially, the couple enjoyed a harmonious life together. However, recent months saw the emergence of minor disagreements, which eventually led to Amir divorcing her. Senda has since been stranded in Pakistan, as her 90-day visa expired on February 18. She has expressed significant distress over her inability to return to her home country.

Following media coverage, the Interior Ministry has offered to expedite an exit permit for Senda. Ministry visa officials have requested her documentation and advised her to submit the required online application for exit clearance.

Police reports indicate that Senda attempted suicide before authorities were involved. In a video statement, she articulated her motivations, saying, “I planned to buy a ticket and leave. Amir showed no care or concern for me.”

Law enforcement officials confirmed that the woman has not filed a formal complaint regarding abuse or violence against Amir. Considering her vulnerable condition, the police are providing her with safe shelter and are actively arranging her return to Tunisia.

“Once, I discarded an item from the window, and although it did not fall outside, he became so enraged that he slapped me. In retaliation, I slapped him back, and he twisted my arms.”

She further claimed ongoing physical abuse by Amir, with his father also participating in the assaults. “When I requested Amir to ask his father to leave, his father kicked me in the face. Amir then divorced me — I don’t recall what transpired afterwards.”

Senda recounted attempting to end her life by jumping out of the window. “I acted this way because I was not in my right state of mind. Amir’s mother and the remainder of the family collectively placed blame on me.”

Amir’s family stated that they had cautioned Senda against relocating from Tunisia to Pakistan, expressing concerns about covering her expenses. However, she insisted on coming, assuring them of her willingness to adapt to any circumstances. Despite their reservations, she independently made her way to Pakistan.

According to the family, subsequent to the marriage, Senda’s behavior became erratic. She frequently argued with Amir, occasionally becoming physically aggressive and disrupting the household’s tranquility. Ultimately, the situation escalated to a point where separation became inevitable.

The family also alleged that Senda frequently disregarded advice, often behaved unpredictably, and spoke incoherently. On occasion, she would leave the residence without a headscarf or footwear, standing outside and causing unease among neighbors. They communicated that they had become overwhelmed by her actions and could no longer accommodate her behavior.