Shabana Jilani, a police officer from Karachi, became an unexpected internet sensation this month following media coverage of American woman Onijah Robinson’s extended stay in Pakistan.
Jilani’s calm demeanor and professional yet compassionate interactions with Robinson, who had been abandoned by a Pakistani man she met online, were captured in viral TikTok videos. These clips showcased not only Jilani’s dedication to her job but also the compassionate side of Pakistani law enforcement.
Robinson, a 33-year-old New Yorker, arrived in Pakistan last October to marry a 19-year-old man she had befriended online. However, their relationship took a dramatic turn when the man abandoned her after his family objected to the marriage. Left stranded, Robinson spent nearly 30 hours outside his home before being taken to a shelter and later admitted to a local psychiatric ward.
While authorities were preparing to take her to the hospital, Jilani received a call from her superior officer, instructing her to provide security for Robinson. What followed was an unlikely bond between the two women, with short conversations and moments of empathy that captivated the internet.
“My first meeting with Madam Onijah was at Jinnah Hospital, when she was being admitted,” Jilani said at her Karachi police station. “We spoke in a respectful manner, and it was a positive experience.”
While Jilani was fulfilling her professional duties during her interaction with Robinson, the videos of their exchange highlighted a more personal connection. Jilani’s caring gestures, like helping Robinson drape a shawl over her shoulders, were especially appreciated by online viewers.
Jilani explained that while it was her job to ensure Robinson’s safety, she also felt a moral duty to treat her with empathy. “We spoke to her with love, respect, and kindness, and in return, we received the same,” she said.
Jilani’s husband, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ali Asghar Dahiri, was killed in 2008 during an encounter with militants in Karachi’s Landhi area. Despite this personal tragedy, she has remained dedicated to her work, serving in the police force for nearly two decades.
“When we joined the police department, we were trained to face tough situations and handle challenges,” she said. “But my interactions with people, like with Robinson, show a softer side of me.”
The reaction to Jilani’s viral videos has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I am grateful to everyone for this,” Jilani said. “We did our duty while also showing kindness and respect.”
She expressed satisfaction with how the videos have portrayed Pakistan’s law enforcement, particularly female officers, in a positive light. “People abroad have seen that Pakistan, its female police officers, and all our law enforcement agencies are doing great work,” she said. “The videos have sent a positive message about respect, love, and strong ethics.”
For Jilani, her time spent with Robinson remains a memorable experience. She fondly recalled the farewell at the airport when Robinson departed on February 7 after spending over three months in Pakistan.
“She said to me, ‘I miss you so much, Shabana,’” Jilani remembered. “Good memories, good times, and beautiful moments. Just as she remembers them, so do I.”