Woman rescued after alleged forced marriage in Pakistan

A woman has been rescued from an alleged forced marriage in Pakistan and returned to Spain, while two men have been arrested in connection with the case.

According to Catalan police, the suspects, aged 41 and 45, were arrested at Barcelona airport on July 21. They are suspected of human trafficking linked to an alleged forced marriage.

The woman travelled to Pakistan in September 2025 after a relative allegedly told her that her family had accepted her relationship with a Pakistani man living in Barcelona. The man reportedly owns a computer shop in the city.

However, police said that after reaching Pakistan, the woman was allegedly deprived of her Spanish passport and confined to a family residence. Her relatives allegedly arranged her marriage to a cousin despite her opposition.

The woman’s partner contacted police in April and reported that she had been taken to Pakistan against her will. Police said he had also previously been attacked with a bladed weapon in Barcelona by two men allegedly connected to the case.

Spanish authorities later worked with the Spanish embassy in Pakistan to locate the woman and arrange her return to Spain. She was provided specialist support following her arrival.

The investigation is continuing as authorities seek to identify other people allegedly involved in the forced marriage and the attack on the woman’s partner.

Barcelona has a significant Pakistani community. More than 26,000 Pakistani nationals are registered in the city, according to official figures cited in the report.