Former Sindh lawmaker Ghulam Rasool Unnar has approached a sessions court in Karachi seeking a case against his former wife Razia Arbab under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), alleging that she used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to alter her images before their marriage. Social media users have responded to the incident with skepticism, humor, and criticism directed at the politician.
In his court petition, the politician stated that he connected with Arbab on social media platforms, where she proposed. The two married online through a video call in the presence of witnesses, with a set dower of Rs 100,000 paid to her.
He stated that the woman covered her face with a veil during the ceremony. Upon meeting her in person after the wedding, the former minister stated that he discovered the images sent prior to the marriage were edited using AI technology and filters.
The petitioner subsequently separated from her and finalized a divorce. However, he claimed in his petition that the woman continues to post fabricated images and false news regarding his death on social media networks. He further alleged that she sent threatening WhatsApp messages demanding money, warning that she would leak private videos or kill him if he failed to pay.
Following the legal action, social media users expressed widespread amusement, questioning the decisions that lead to the online marriage.
Highlighting the unusual nature of the conflict, one online user remarked, “Married a politician by showing him fake AI pictures,” while another clever response quipped, “She played politics with him.”
Questioning the politician’s logic, a commenter asked, “What kind of politician is this who doesn’t have the sense to at least have one meeting before the marriage?”
Calling out the virtual ceremony setup, one person expressed disbelief, posting, “Was he blind during the ceremony of nikah? What do you mean by later he finds out?” Another commenter similarly pointed out the reliance on static images, asking, “Did they not talk on video call?”
Targeting the politician’s own appearance, one person suggested, “He needs to check the mirror ASAP.”
Summarizing the situation with online internet tropes, one netizen stated, “Pakistan is not for beginners,” while another commenter added, “That’s why education is important.”
Directly addressing the online deception, an individual commented, “Bro is mad he got catfished.” Downplaying the technological claim, another commenter simplified the issue, stating, “Just a Snapchat filter.”
Expressing raw surprise, one user wrote, “Yo bro what the….”
Critiquing the political class as a whole, a final comment noted the irony of the situation, stating, “Only AI can deceive these people, while they deceive the rest of the public.”
Additional District and Sessions Judge (South) Muhammad Aslam Sheikh has issued notices to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Complaint Cell, the Defence police station Station House Officer (SHO), and the respondent to submit court responses by August 17.
