Lodhran police rescue Filipino woman after alleged abuse

Lodhran: A friendship that began on social media turned into love, bringing a Filipino woman to Lodhran to meet the man she loved. A Filipino woman, Rose Marie, embraced Islam before marrying a middle-aged man, Amir Matam, and adopted the Islamic name Kaniz Mai.

However, after the marriage, she allegedly became a victim of domestic violence, while her husband also extorted millions of rupees from her.

Acting on the instructions of DPO Lodhran Captain (Retd.) Ali Bin Tariq, a police team led by DSP Sadar Circle Lodhran Abid Hussain Bhulla carried out a swift operation, rescued the woman, and recovered her cash and belongings.

Speaking to the media, DSP Abid Hussain Bhulla said that around two years ago, Rose Marie established contact with Amir Matam, a welder from Lodhran, through social media. Their friendship gradually developed into a love relationship, after which Amir Matam persuaded her to travel to Pakistan for marriage.

The Filipino woman came to Lodhran, married Amir Matam, and began living with him. He said that serious disputes had developed between the couple in recent months, leaving the foreign woman feeling unsafe.

According to the DSP, Rose Marie informed a Malaysian friend living in Islamabad about her situation. The Malaysian woman then contacted Police Helpline 15 seeking immediate assistance for her friend.

DSP Abid Hussain Bhulla said that due to the high-profile nature of the call, DPO Lodhran Captain (Retd.) Ali Bin Tariq was immediately informed, who promptly constituted a police team under his supervision to respond to the situation.

He added that the police not only rescued their foreign sister but also recovered her belongings and Rs. 1.5 million in cash, which had allegedly been misappropriated by her husband, Amir Matam. The recovered cash and belongings were returned to the woman, while she was provided with secure accommodation and police protection.

DSP Abid Hussain Bhulla emphasized that the protection of the lives, property, and dignity of foreigners whether residents or tourists is among the highest priorities of the State of Pakistan and the police.

Concluding his statement, the DSP Abid Hussain Bhulla said that the police response in high-profile cases is equally prompt and professional. He added that Lodhran Police resolved all matters concerning the foreign woman in accordance with her wishes. She is now expected to return to her home country, the Philippines, while the accused, who is currently on bail, will face legal proceedings in accordance with the law.