Forced marriage ended: Spain-based woman wins legal battle in Pakistan

A Pakistani court ruling declared the arrangement orchestrated against her will illegal

BARCELONA, Spain (MNTV) – A family court in Pakistan’s city of Lahore has annulled the forced marriage of Anisa Yousaf, a Spain-based woman, freeing her from a union imposed by her father.

The court ruled that a forced marriage violates Pakistani law and is against the precepts of Islam.

Anisa, 24, traveled to Pakistan in 2021 for her sister’s wedding but was coerced into marrying her cousin to secure his visa to Spain. 

When she refused, she endured psychological and physical abuse before managing to escape back to Spain, as reported by Spanish daily El Pais. 

She sought help from Acesop, a Barcelona-based organization supporting victims of forced marriage, and filed a legal case that led to the annulment of her marriage.

Her father, who resides in Spain, was arrested in Catalonia for human trafficking after forging her signature on the marriage contract.

While Anisa is relieved by the court ruling, she remains fearful of returning to Pakistan and has applied for asylum in Spain.

Despite her legal victory, bureaucratic hurdles persist. She is unable to register her marriage to her chosen partner in Spain until Pakistani authorities formally recognize the court decision. 

Additionally, her expired passport and unresolved legal status prevent her from registering her newborn child with her new husband.

Encouraging other women to break their silence, Anisa remains determined to secure justice, saying, “Justice should believe them, as it has believed me.”