Latest news with #Onijah
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Mahira bumps into Onijah
If you thought the promotions for Nadeem Baig's Love Guru were running out of surprises, think again. While riding high during the film's promotions in the US, star Mahira Khan crossed paths with internet sensation Onijah Robinson. That's right. Mahira met up with the American woman who went viral for flying to Pakistan in search of the man she loved. Both women took to Instagram to gush over the interaction. Posting on Stories, Mahira shared a video clip in which she asked her viewers, "I'm in New York, and guess who I have with me?" She turned the camera to reveal Onijah, who greeted the screen with her viral phrase, "Hello, Shabana!" The actor quickly joined in on the antics, indulging the influencer's phrases with enthusiastic nods and a captivating smile. Meanwhile, Onijah posted a photo of the two on her handle, attending the premiere in a white-and-pink outfit while Mahira wore an elegant, fitted dress. "Showed up to the Love Guru premiere," she wrote. "They thought Mahira was the star. Plot twist: I'm the sequel." The influencer might not be exaggerating as she did indeed run into fans of her own at the event, if the post of her taking photos with a crowd of attendees is any indication. Grateful for the love, she wrote, "It's one thing to post online, but feeling the love in person? That's the part that lives in my heart." Mindful of all her fans, she added, "Every hug, every word, every smile - I see you, I feel you, and I carry that energy with me. Forever thankful for the real ones who show up and show love." Mahira isn't lacking in love either, given her glamorous return to the world of cinema opposite Humayun Saeed. In the following Story, she shared a clip of her film's official trailer setting the billboards alight at New York City's Times Square. The romance film's trailer dropped earlier this month, featuring Humayun as a love expert and Mahira as his alluring case study along with flaunting a star-studded cast which includes Javed Sheikh, Marina Khan, and Mira Sethi. With a screenplay penned by Vasay Chaudhry, a key appeal of the film is the reunion of the Bin Roye stars in what appears to be another tale packed with obstacles that challenge the leads' affection for each other. We'll find out in June whether or not Humayun and Mahira's characters will overcome the odds separating them, as the film is slated to hit theatres this Eidul Azha.
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Nadal Ahmed clears the air about Onijah Andrews in first interview
Nadal Ahmed speaks out in first interview, addressing rumors about his relationship with Onijah Andrews Photo: FILE Listen to article Nadal Ahmed, the 19-year-old Pakistani teen at the centre of a viral 'love story' with US citizen Onijah Andrews, has finally broken his silence. Nadal confirmed the couple's relationship, revealing that they have been together for over two years and that they are still in contact despite the media frenzy that surrounded their story. Onijah, who gained global attention after travelling to Karachi in October 2024 to marry Nadal, had refused to leave Pakistan even after her visa expired, making headlines for her dramatic public statements and press conferences. She had claimed that her relationship with Nadal had fallen apart after his family allegedly rejected her, and her demand for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash sparked further controversy. However, Nadal denied the claims that he had abandoned Onijah, insisting that their relationship was strong and still ongoing. 'We are still in touch, and I've heard people say that I left her or cheated on her, but that's just not true,' he clarified. He also denied the rumours that they were married, stating that he didn't know why Onijah was referring to him as her husband. In the interview, Ahmed confirmed that he met Robinson while working at a call centre in Pakistan, where he made calls to the US. Nadal revealed that Onijah had stayed in Pakistan for nearly three months, during which she developed a close bond with his family, even going shopping with his mother and sisters. "It was Onijah's personal decision to come here and meet me," Nadal explained, adding that he had not pressured her into staying beyond her visa. The media attention, however, spiraled out of control after Onijah remained in Pakistan following her planned return to the US. The press quickly latched onto reports that the marriage plans had fallen through, with some alleging that Onijah had been jilted after her appearance differed from her online photos. Nadal, however, dismissed these reports, saying there was no truth to the idea that he had abandoned her. "I can't answer whether we'll be together forever, only God knows," Nadal said when asked about the future of their relationship. Despite the ups and downs, he emphasised that their relationship was like any other, filled with love and effort. "We love each other. Every relationship has its ups and downs, but we are working on projects, and you will see us together soon," he added. After her return to the US, Onijah retained her popularity, making appearances on various digital platforms. Meanwhile, Nadal remains defiant, hoping to put the rumours to rest. 'Media is just making up stories. If you can show me a video where Onijah says that I left her or betrayed her, I'll agree with it, but until then, these are just assumptions.' As for their future, Nadal mentioned that he admires Onijah's confidence, calling it something worth learning from. He confirmed that they are working on new projects and that they'll be seen together in the future. Recently on BBC Asian Network, Onijah shared details about her bond with Shabana, a police officer from Karachi, with whom the US national had reportedly developed a strong rapport. "She is very good. She is very funny. She's always on her phone. We've got like similar personalities ... Because in the mornings, we'd be a little fidgety. We were always doing something, but we'd make it on time to where we was going," Onijah said, smiling. She also previously gave an interview to local media, where she discussed her travels from America to Pakistan and then to Dubai. Onijah clarified the news of her arrest in Dubai, stating that she wasn't arrested but had faced a situation that caused a delay in her return. 'I didn't go to jail, I was just stuck in Dubai. It was a situation I couldn't understand at the time,' said the American woman.
Express Tribune
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
"Shabana, I love you": Onijah Robinson on her special bond with Pakistani police officer
Onijah Andrew Robinson, the American woman who made global headlines after being stranded in Pakistan for four months, has now opened up about one of the most unexpected yet heartwarming parts of her journey — her deep friendship with Pakistani police officer, Shabana. Onijah first arrived in Karachi with dreams of love, traveling thousands of miles to meet a man she had been speaking to online, only to be left abandoned at the airport by Nidal Ahmed Memon, a resident of the city's Garden area. Stranded and alone, her story captured international attention. But amid the challenges she faced, a beautiful friendship blossomed — one that the world quickly fell in love with. itting down with Haroon Rashid on BBC Asian Network, Onijah shared touching details about her bond with Shabana. "She is very good. She is very funny. She's always on her phone. We've got like similar personalities ... Because in the mornings, we'd be a little fidgety. We were always doing something, but we'd make it on time to where we was going," Onijah said, smiling. The camaraderie between the two women wasn't just heartwarming — it quickly went viral. Videos and photos showing Onijah and Shabana together, especially during Onijah's hospital stay, flooded social media. Their chemistry sparked adorable memes, and even inspired viral TikTok audios, making them beloved figures across continents. Speaking warmly about her Pakistani friend, Onijah added: "Shabana was the type of officer to give me love and compassion. And it was beautiful. She was a woman, add that too. It was a great experience, like, the love was crazy!" When the interviewer mentioned how Onijah often referred to the officers as her "team," she laughed and explained: "I thought they were behind me on the camera, but I didn't known that they were stepped to the side. It was a bunch of other officers there, also! It wasn't just Shabana but Shabana and me grew together, 'cause she is a woman like me." The bond was so genuine that it transcended duty. When asked about the funny videos they made together, especially while Onijah was in the hospital, her face lit up: "Shabana is really a great person." Onijah didn't stop there. Thinking about the future, she imagined how Shabana would fit into her own hometown. "Shabana will love New York," she said, adding that the city would be "a great image for her." Ending the heartfelt interview, Onijah sent a direct message to her Pakistani friend: "Shabana, I love you." The story didn't end with the interview. Shabana herself later took to BBC Asian Network's Instagram, leaving an emotional comment for her American friend: "Really Onijah you are great and good lady Onijah I love you too ❤️" It's clear that the bond between Onijah and Shabana — and even the rest of the Pakistani police team who cared for her — is something Onijah will never forget. Despite everything she went through, it's the kindness, loyalty, and "crazy love" she found with her unlikely friend that remains etched in her heart.
Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Onijah's love story: Will she return to Pakistan? latest interview
Listen to article Onijah Robinson, the American woman who travelled to Karachi a few months ago to find her internet love, has now finally returned to New York. Upon reaching New York, Onijah gave an interview to local media, where she discussed her travels from America to Pakistan and then to Dubai. Onijah clarified the news of her arrest in Dubai, stating that she wasn't arrested but had faced a situation that caused a delay in her return. 'I didn't go to jail, I was just stuck in Dubai. It was a situation I couldn't understand at the time,' said the American woman. Talking about Pakistan, Onijah shared that she had been in an online relationship with a Pakistani man. She said, 'We met through the internet.' When asked if she would return to Pakistan to find her missing online boyfriend, she vaguely responded, "We'll talk about it." Onijah further stated that she had no intention of returning to Pakistan and wanted to stay in New York. Her new interview video is rapidly circulated on social media. It is worth noting that the 33-year-old American woman arrived in Karachi on October 11, intending to marry 19-year-old Nidal Ahmed Memon. However, Nidal's family opposed the marriage, and he went missing. Nidal had also reportedlly levelled catphishing allegations against Onija. This unusual love story of the American woman caught the attention of social and local media, with several videos circulated on social media.
Express Tribune
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
180 days of Onijah
Knock, knock. Who's there? Onijah. Onijah who? Onijah who needs land and 100k dollah. A dramatic visit from an American lady to Karachi captured domestic and international attention for a good part of the new year. Onijah Andrews, 33, flew to Karachi in the hope of uniting with her long-distance lover – 19-year-old Nidal Memon. While Onijah became a prominent face across all digital and news media, Nidal was the most wanted man in the case, vanishing without a trace upon her arrival. Onijah did not take his rejection resignedly. She created a clamour in Pakistan that resounded all the way to her American homeland. She ain't goin' back without her husband, she protested. 'I'm Pakistani now, I'm a Muslim,' she declared to the public. And her plans to stay here or return to NEW YORK were nobody's business. Suddenly the metropolis' influential philanthropists got involved to coax and shame young Nidal to take care of her as per her claim she and Nidal were already wedded by Nikkah. What is this irresponsible joke you've made of an innocent foreign lady, the charity workers said in their public service messages to Nidal. But then again who can blame our fugitive romantic hero? Turns out he was a victim of catfishing. Allegedly, the American lady of his dreams (and most likely his dreams of a green card) had posed as a blonde and beautiful white woman throughout their online romance. The young man must have awaited the days of his union with her and the start of their life in the promised land with much excitement. Imagine how his dreams shattered when the woman who showed up at his door calling him husband was…well, Onijah. Let's put it this way, the leading lady of this torrid US-Pakistani affair has a personality that makes her looks redundant. Tiktok is awash with 'Onijah makeup tutorials' but you won't be using them until next Halloween. I hope we keep the memory of her alive till then. In her unforgettable appearances on camera in various locations in Karachi, she always had her head tightly covered with a hijab, her forehead – whiter than the rest of her skin – had thin eyebrows painted on, bright lipstick on her full and prominent mouth that spouted meme material only. Respecting the social mores of the Islamic Republic, her outfits covered her from head to toe, either in shalwar kameez or a loud printed coord set. She was serving looks for sure. When samaritan Ramzan Chhippa held a joint press conference with her, she was giving a smoldering vibe that turned angry quickly ('Lissen! You talk too much!' she snapped at him as he carried on in Urdu). When a tiktoker treated her some biryani and asked her if Pakistani people are good, she was not just cute and demure, she was somewhat high ('Mmmm I love y'all,' she murmured). Social media users who know nothing of Pakistani culture were impressed how the locals treated Onijah with only respect, not a shade of racism was detected in their interactions with her. But what of the elusive Nidal who got the shock of his life when he saw the African part of Onijah's American identity? Not only was she not white, she landed in Karachi almost penniless according to her claims. She told the press more than once that she did not have money to go back to the US. She also had a solution: the government should pay her. Nidal seemed to have no answers or ticket fare and thought best to vanish into thin air. Since Onijah was not going anywhere without him, his family must've threatened that somebody had to leave to make the problem disappear. In her visit to the metropolis, Onijah hit up the mandatory sightseeing spots: Jinnah International Airport, JPMC Jinnah Hospital and the parking lot of her lover's apartment building. (Her circuit of the city seemed to follow a true and gritty Lonely Planet Guide to Falling in Love in Karachi.) In between, the stages of unrequited love – flying high, getting depressed and being low on haemoglobin and being in denial and stalking her ex – she also graced a handful of press conferences. Onijah showed herself to be a natural public speaker. Clear and concise, entertaining no BS from the curious local mediapersons. Her demands were straight up non-negotiable. 'I want 2000 or mowe in my pockets by the end of the week,' was her starting bid. Her plight included demands of money upto 100k usd, land, a ticket back to the US and fixing the abysmal infrastructure and public transport in the city. 'It's ridiculous out here,' she observed with acumen. As residents, who among us has not had these demands? Can we disagree with her opinion about the state of Karachi? In a matter of months (she had been here since October last year), who can say this foreigner didn't assimilate the quintessential life of a Karachiite. What Onijah lacked in looks she made up for in sass and aplomb. Alone she faced the curious press of a foreign country and controlled the narrative she wanted to put out there. Despite a language barrier, as she did nor speak Urdu and the local reporters are not at all fluent in English, she aired her demands clearly and bluntly. What she didnt want to discuss, she kept to herself no matter how reporters pressed for information. "It's nonna yo business," she repeated her favourite phrase. "It's private. Now go home," she said simply. (Meme creators used these as pro tips on replying to nosy aunties who ask you when you will get married or have kids.) When she camped at Nidal's Garden West apartment complex, she resolved to not move until he met her. That was a 30-hour wait until she was cleared out. She also tried to stay in another building in the area to continue her stakeout but the administration threw her out. Once out on the streets, she was at the airport again, tiktokers and journos her constant patrons. She was taken into police custody, she made a cop friend Shabana. She was taken to JPMC to get her psych evaluation and sonogram. She introduced her doctors and police custodians as her entourage. She refused to go through immigration to return to the US. It didn't matter to Onijah where she was, she always called the shots. Karachiites were kind to her and heard her out. She helped the tourist ministry more than any other gora influencer employed by the past two governments. The hospitality and care she received was there for all to see and won the hearts of all Americans who followed the unfolding story with amusement. Onijah has finally returned home to her family now. But she has left a vacuum in the hearts of the Instagrammers and tiktokers who followed her daily. She lost Nidal but she found a place in the hearts of the residents of Karachi. Her eventful stay also encouraged many of her fellow Americans to visit Pakistan, a country where anything goes.
