Pakistani police have rescued a British woman who was allegedly held captive by her husband for 12 years, according to local authorities. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was found in a house in the city of Lahore during a raid on Monday evening. She is believed to have been forced into marriage in 2012 and subsequently confined.
Officials from the British High Commission have been informed and are providing consular assistance. The woman is reported to be in stable health and is being cared for at a secure location. The husband, a Pakistani national, has been arrested and is being questioned.
Human rights groups have long highlighted the issue of forced marriages and domestic servitude in the region. This case underscores the vulnerability of foreign nationals, particularly women, who are taken to Pakistan under false pretences. The Pakistani government has faced criticism for its handling of such cases, but recent reforms have aimed to strengthen protections for victims.
The investigation is ongoing, with police examining evidence of prolonged abuse and illegal detention. The woman is expected to be repatriated to the United Kingdom in due course.
