Iranian police have recovered a young Pakistani woman who was allegedly taken to Iran illegally and forced into marriage. The woman is now in safe custody, according to officials.
The recovery followed an emotional video appeal sent to Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori. In the message, the woman asked for urgent help and warned she might take her own life if no action was taken.
The woman was identified as Saadia Kanwal. She is the daughter of Muhammad Liaquat Rajput. Saadia is the mother of a one-year-old child and is also four months pregnant.
Saadia lost her father 16 years ago. Her mother passed away six years ago. She is the youngest among her siblings. Due to financial problems, she could not continue her education.
In her video message, Saadia said she had been illegally married to a Pakistani man. She pleaded with the Sindh Governor to secure her release. The video was shared by her family and quickly drew attention.
After the appeal, immediate steps were taken. The Sindh Governor coordinated with Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also met Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam. Following these efforts, Iranian police traced Saadia and recovered her.
Officials confirmed that Iranian police placed her in safe custody. Her condition is reported to be stable. Authorities are also ensuring her safety and basic needs.
Governor Tessori later informed the family about further arrangements. He said Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, has been directed to send Saadia to Karachi by air. The governor also stated he would personally bear all travel expenses.
Saadia belongs to Nishtar Colony in Latifabad, Hyderabad. According to her brother, Muhammad Adil Rajput, she went missing around two and a half years ago. The family searched for her but found no leads.
On August 14, 2023, the family received a call from an Iranian number. The caller claimed Saadia had been married. When the family tried to call back, the number was switched off.
Before her disappearance, Saadia was in contact with a local man. The family suspected his involvement. Later, sources claimed she was handed over to a woman who forced her into marriage.
An FIR was registered on September 18, 2023. However, she could not be recovered at that time.
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Saadia later contacted her family through unknown numbers. She described living in very poor conditions in Iran’s Hormozgan province. After months of silence, her direct appeal led to action by Iranian police and Pakistani authorities.
