Karachi girl in coma after 'being sexually assaulted by husband'

A 19-year-old girl from Karachi is in a coma after allegedly being subjected to sexual violence by her husband.

Police arrested the suspect, Ashok, after the girl's family lodged a complaint under Sections 324 and 376B of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deal with attempted murder and rape. The assault allegedly took place just days after the couple were married on June 15.

“The victim, a 19-year-old from Lyari [neighborhood], is now in a coma. Her physical examination findings are consistent with sexual violence,” said Dr Summaiya Syed, Police Surgeon Karachi. Such incidents are “tragically frequent”, she said.

“Circumstances vary and names change, but violence remains,” she said.

According to the police complaint, the girl's condition deteriorated after a series of violent assaults by her husband. She was first taken to a local hospital by her in-laws and later shifted to Karachi’s Civil Hospital, where she remains in intensive care.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Arif Aziz said the suspect was arrested promptly after the incident was reported.

“This brutal sexual assault is a grave and serious offence, and the police are treating it with utmost urgency and priority to ensure the perpetrator is held accountable,” he said.

“We are committed to preventing such incidents in the future through firm and effective action.”