French Woman Rescued in Pakistan After Alleged 12 Years of Domestic Confinement

Peshawar: A 54-year-old French woman has been rescued by police in Pakistan’s Khyber district after allegedly being confined and subjected to domestic abuse for nearly 12 years by her Pakistani husband.

According to police, Sylvie Yasmine moved from France to Bara in Khyber district with her children in 2014 after marrying a Pakistani national. She reportedly relocated to Pakistan believing she was starting a new life with her family.

The woman later told authorities that after arriving in Pakistan, she was allegedly prevented from leaving the house, communicating with others, or using a telephone. She also alleged that she and her children, particularly her daughter, were subjected to repeated physical and psychological abuse over the years.

Police said the family’s ordeal came to light after one of her young sons managed to escape from the house and informed authorities about the situation.

According to CCPO Mian Saeed, security forces and Khyber Police conducted a raid on a mud house in Bara based on intelligence information. During the operation, officers rescued the French woman and her four children and arrested her husband at the scene.

Police said a criminal case has been registered against the suspect, while the woman and her children have been transferred to the Women Police Station in Peshawar for protection and further assistance.

Following her rescue, Sylvie Yasmine expressed her wish to return to France with her children and begin a new life. Police officials said Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted the French Embassy to facilitate their safe and dignified repatriation.

The allegations made by the woman have been included in the police investigation, and the case remains under legal process.