KARACHI: An 18-year-old woman who had reportedly eloped and married against her family’s wishes four months ago has died after allegedly enduring prolonged abuse and torture at the hands of her husband in Karachi’s Surjani Town area.
According to police, the victim, identified as Misbah, was found dead at a house near Zaitoon Foundation in Saif-ul-Mari Goth. Her body was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for legal formalities.
Family members told local media that Misbah, the only sister among five brothers, had run away shortly before Ramadan and married a man named Shahryar, a resident of Malir. Despite the circumstances of the marriage, her widowed mother later forgave and accepted her daughter.
However, the family alleged that soon after the marriage, Shahryar began physically abusing Misbah and demanding money and a motorcycle. They claimed he frequently threatened them through WhatsApp messages and voice recordings, warning of severe consequences if they reported him.
Misbah’s mother alleged that Shahryar claimed to be a police officer and had shown photographs of himself in police uniform. Family members also accused him of intimidating them and forcibly entering their home on one occasion.
According to Misbah’s brother, the victim had confided that Shahryar had previously married several vulnerable women and later abandoned them. Fearing for her family’s safety, she reportedly urged them to distance themselves from her.
Two days before her death, a local vendor allegedly informed the family that Misbah had been found seriously injured near his stall. The family said she was later brought back to Surjani Town, where they sought medical assistance.
The victim’s brother further alleged that Misbah described severe torture, including an assault with a screwdriver. He claimed she told her mother that substances had been placed into her head wound after the attack, while other signs of physical abuse were visible on her body.
Family members said Misbah collapsed in a washroom late Monday night and was later found unresponsive.
Police stated that the woman had likely died before authorities were informed. Officials also said the victim’s mother was reluctant to pursue legal action or allow a post-mortem examination. The body was eventually handed over to the family after procedural requirements were completed.
Police have launched an investigation and are collecting evidence from multiple angles. Authorities say a decision regarding the registration of a formal case will be made following directions from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) West.
The allegations made by the victim’s family have not yet been independently verified, and the investigation remains ongoing.
