KARACHI: An American woman caused significant disruption at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Wednesday due to emotional distress. The woman, identified as O’Neija Andrew Robbins, was unable to board a Qatar Airways flight back to the United States. The situation arose after Robbins arrived in Karachi to marry a Pakistani teenager she met online. However, the teenager’s family opposed the union, leading to complications.
Woman Refuses to Board Flight
Robbins, who arrived in Karachi on October 11, resisted immigration clearance and refused to board her flight. Airport officials said her actions delayed the flight by 36 minutes. Security personnel were called to escort her to the departure lounge, yet she still refused to leave. An official noted that passengers cannot be forcibly placed on an aircraft according to security protocols.
No Response from US Consulate
Despite efforts from local authorities to resolve the situation, Robbins continued to refuse assistance. The US Consulate was contacted by airport authorities for support, but no response came. The Interior Ministry of Pakistan booked a return flight for her, but she remained hesitant to leave Pakistan. Authorities explored further options as the woman resisted all efforts to depart.
Online Love Story Turns Sour
Robbins’ journey to Karachi began when she met 19-year-old Nidal Memon, who lived in Garden West. Their relationship grew online, with Memon promising marriage upon her arrival in Pakistan. However, things took a turn when Memon’s family strongly opposed the relationship. This disagreement led to Memon’s decision to abandon Robbins upon her arrival in Karachi.
Teenager Abandons American Woman
After months of online communication, Memon failed to meet Robbins at the airport. Sources reported seeing Robbins disoriented and visibly upset at Jinnah International. As the teenager was under pressure from his family, he ultimately broke his promises to the woman. The emotional distress led Robbins into a deep depression while stranded in Karachi without support or a way to return home.
Local Authorities Step In to Help
The situation of the abandoned woman drew attention after she spent over a week at the airport. Sindh’s government and the JDC Foundation intervened, offering assistance. They provided Robbins with a return flight ticket to reunite her with her family. The Foundation also covered her medical expenses to ensure she received the necessary care while in Pakistan.
Tragic End to a Cross-Border Relationship
Robbins’ trip from the US to Pakistan in search of love turned into a painful ordeal. After a whirlwind romance online, she made the drastic decision to leave her family behind. However, the promises of marriage and a new life quickly vanished when Memon abandoned her in Karachi. While Robbins received help from local authorities, her heartbreaking experience serves as a reminder of the risks of online relationships that cross national boundaries.
Resolution of the Situation
With local support, Robbins’ situation was resolved after a challenging period at the airport. Although her return flight was delayed due to her refusal to board initially, a resolution was found. Authorities assisted her in making sure she could safely return to her family in the United States. The emotional turmoil caused by the failed romance is now behind her, as she prepares to go back home.
