American Woman's Journey to Pakistan Sparks Viral Sensation

An unexpected tale of online romance, cultural encounters and the power of social media.

STAFF

Screenshot from TikTok video by @murtazaviews.

What happens when online love crosses cultural boundaries and turns into a global spectacle?

In October 2024, 33-year-old Onijah Andrew Robinson from New York traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, intending to marry 19-year-old Nidal Ahmed Memon, whom she had met online.

Upon her arrival, Memon's family, disapproving of the union, prevented the marriage, leaving Robinson in a foreign land without support. Refusing to return to the U.S., Robinson camped outside Memon's residence and held impromptu press conferences, during which she made various demands, including a request for $100,000 from the Pakistani government.

Her actions and statements quickly gained traction on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where users shared videos and memes about her situation.

The narrative took a more serious turn when Robinson's son revealed that she suffers from bipolar disorder and was not thinking clearly during her stay in Pakistan. This disclosure added layers of complexity to the public's perception of her actions and raised concerns about mental health awareness.

Local authorities, including Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, extended support to Robinson by prolonging her visa and arranging her return to the United States. As of early February 2025, arrangements have been made for her departure from Pakistan.

Robinson's journey underscores the unpredictable nature of online relationships and the profound impact of social media in amplifying personal stories to a global audience.

For a firsthand look at the viral TikTok video that brought this story to light, you can view it here.