2 Gays Arrested at Karachi Airport Trying to Flee Pakistan for Same-Sex Marriage Abroad

Two gay men, Shahid from Muzaffargarh and Khalil from Sialkot, were arrested at Karachi airport after attempting to leave Pakistan to marry each other abroad, according to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) authorities. The men were apprehended during immigration questioning as they attempted to board a flight to Thailand and later Europe, carrying Pakistani tourist visas.

Shahid, who previously lived in Europe for an extended period, informed FIA officials that he and Khalil intended to marry in Thailand and subsequently register the union in Europe. Khalil confirmed their stated purpose, revealing that they had met in 2017 and maintained contact ever since. Khalil further disclosed that Shahid had been providing him with financial support of approximately Rs. 60,000 per month. The two men planned to reside together in Europe following their marriage.

FIA officials deemed it necessary to conduct additional scrutiny of the passengers' travel intentions, the nature of their trip to Thailand, and their potential onward journey to Europe. Consequently, immigration officials prevented both individuals from boarding their flight and detained them at Karachi airport. The FIA emphasized that they routinely examine passengers' travel documents and document the reasons for their travel, adhering to relevant laws and established procedures.