American Woman in Pakistan Reportedly Returning to NYC After Viral Saga

Onijah Andrew Robinson, who is commonly being referred to as the “American woman in Pakistan,” is reportedly returning to New York City after her stay in the country went viral online.

The 33-year-old woman from New York flew to Karachi, Pakistan to allegedly meet and marry 19-year-old Nidal Ahmed Memon, whom she supposedly developed a relationship with online, the Independent reports.

However, the relationship soured upon her arrival when Memon’s family disapproved, and he refused to marry her, according to the outlet.

The British newspaper explains that Robinson was left stranded and walked around the city aimlessly before realizing that Memon’s family vacated the home and locked up the house.

Although it’s not clear how Robinson eventually managed to get the attention of Pakistani media, a report from Daijiworld says she camped outside Memon’s former residence for “months,” apparently letting her tourist visa expire, while demanding $3,000 per week and Pakistani citizenship.

"Strangers are gathered in and around our apartment building everyday to see the American woman. This is a matter of concern for all the residents and their safety," said a resident to Daijiworld.

Despite offers from several non-governmental organizations and government officials to return to the U.S., including a flight from Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, Robinson refused.

Since then, Robinson has appeared to hold press conferences to solicit funds and make seemingly contradictory statements about her marital status and future plans, as seen in viral clips circulating on TikTok.

“I’m asking for 100K or more. I need 20K by this week, in my pockets, in cash. That’s a demand to the government,” she said in one clip, per The Tab, who notes that the amount she requests has changed several times. “What’s my plan? To bring this down and build a home.”

“Make sure you get this on your camera, I’m married to Nidal Ahmed Memon, we are moving to Dubai very soon. We’re going to have our baby in Dubai,” she said in a separate clip, per the Independent.

The woman’s alleged son, Jeremiah Robinson, claimed that his mother was living with bipolar disorder and debunked the details of his mother’s supposed love story.

“"Her and Nidal knew each other, like before she went to Pakistan. She was only supposed to go to Pakistan to meet him and his family on just a vacation,” Jeremiah said through a blurred video online, per Pakistani outlet, The News International. "When it was time for her to come back after the two weeks. I was trying to convince her to come back. She refused. Then Nidal did not deter and she was supposed to return back on Jan. 15, when Nidal had booked her ticket."

"I'm trying to help her as her son to come back to the US," Jerimiah added, while mentioning his mother was never married. "The news and people they [are] all making fun of her and showing her personal private IDs without permission.”

Robinson reportedly caused a scene at the Karachi International Airport on Jan. 29 when she refused to go through immigration procedures and refused to board a Qatar Airways flight to New York, according to Daijiworld.

Robinson was brought to Karachi City’s Jinnah Post Graduate Hospital by Pakistani authorities for a mental health evaluation. It’s not clear what specific event prompted the alleged trip, when she was reportedly admitted, or when she was discharged.

Robinson also seemingly has a criminal history. According to Aaj News, she was arrested in 2021 for "entering premises without warning" in Charleston County, South Carolina. At the time, her bail was set at $465 and it's not clear if the charge was proven.

Though the Independent reports she is now en route back to the U.S., the specifics remain unclear, including who is facilitating her return.