Indian Woman in Pakistan Refuses to Leave Without Her Children

Farzana Begum, an Indian national, married a Pakistani citizen, Mirza Mubin Elahi, in Abu Dhabi in 2015. In 2018, the couple moved to Pakistan and have two sons aged seven and six. The case garnered public attention after allegations arose that Farzana had tortured her husband over a dispute regarding the custody of her sons and properties held in the name of her sons. Farzana denies her husband’s claim that he had divorced her and insists that there must be a certificate if he has indeed divorced her.

She expressed concern for the safety of herself and her children in Pakistan, citing a property dispute and confinement to her house in Lahore. Farzana emphasized that she would not return to India without her sons and urged the government of Pakistan to ensure their protection until the case is resolved. She also stated that her husband has possession of her and her children’s passports and that there are properties in Lahore under her sons’ names. Mubin Elahi, Farzana’s husband, is alleged to have spread false rumors about her visa status, claiming it had expired despite having her passport in his possession.

Farzana’s lawyer and advocate, Mohsin Abbas, attested to these claims. Farzana insisted that she will not leave Pakistan without her sons, expressing distrust towards her husband’s intentions and accusing him of delaying the process to ensure her visa expiration and force her to leave the country. The case has stirred public interest, with Farzana maintaining her stance while Elahi has remained quiet and has not clarified his position. Farzana also denied the accusation from her husband that she had tortured him, labeling it as a diversion from the core issues surrounding the custody of her sons and possession of their properties in Pakistan.