An American resident of New York, Oniqa Andrews, who came to Pakistan for the love of a young man, is now facing legal hurdles. Despite her tourist visa expiring on October 11, the woman did not return from Karachi. Her visa had expired on November 10, yet she stayed in Karachi for several months. When she attempted to go to Karachi Airport in mid-January, security stopped her and handed her over to the airport police. Following intervention by the Sindh Governor, she was issued an exit permit for 15 days on January 27.
Despite the police’s attempts to persuade her, Andrews decided to take a taxi to the young man’s house and stayed there for several days. Later, she was referred to a medical facility where she was shifted to Jinnah Hospital due to her deteriorating health. Currently, she is under treatment in the hospital under tight security. Immigration authorities met with her and informed her about the legal complications. According to officials, her exit permit will expire on February 11. If she does not return by that date, she may face legal issues.
After February 11, a case could be filed against her under the Foreign Act of 1946, which could lead to her arrest for illegal stay in Pakistan and prosecution. Sources from the immigration authority suggest that if the government desires, they can further verify her exit permit and provide another opportunity for her to return to her home country. Andrews’ love story has not only caused challenges in her life but has also become a serious legal issue.
