Police in Pakistan have rescued a French woman and her five children after she reported being held captive by her husband for more than 12 years and subjected to severe domestic abuse in the country's north-western province.
Rescue After Son Reaches Police Station
The woman, identified as 54-year-old Sylvie Yasmina, was rescued earlier this week from a mud-brick home in Bara, a town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border, according to district police chief Waqar Ahmad. He said Yasmina's husband has been arrested and investigations are ongoing.
According to police, the rescue was made possible after one of Yasmina's sons managed to leave the house and reach the local police station. She and her children were then transferred to a women's police station for protection.
Allegations of Physical and Psychological Abuse
In her initial statement to police, Yasmina alleged that her husband physically and psychologically abused her and had an extremely violent temperament. Ahmad stated that Yasmina and her children were found in a dilapidated room, and she had visible signs of injuries on her face.
Yasmina told investigators that she had been unable to live freely since moving to Pakistan in 2014. Her children were never enrolled in school, Ahmad added.
Desire to Return to France
Ahmad said Yasmina has expressed a desire to return to France, and authorities are coordinating with relevant officials and the French embassy regarding her repatriation. There was no immediate comment from the French embassy.
In a video recorded by police and shared with the media, Yasmina spoke in a mix of English and Pashto, thanking officers for rescuing her and reiterating her wish to return to France.
Domestic Violence in Pakistan
Domestic violence remains a significant problem in Pakistan. Human rights groups say hundreds of women report physical and psychological abuse by husbands and other family members each year, although many cases are believed to go unreported. Scores of women are murdered in Pakistan annually for violating conservative norms on love, marriage and public behaviour.
Shabina Ayaz, director of rights group the Aurat Foundation, condemned the alleged treatment of Yasmina and expressed hope that the French embassy and Pakistani authorities would provide the family with all possible assistance. She said the case should serve as a wake-up call for authorities and society.
