In modern society, emotional relationships are often built on trust, promises, and commitment. Unfortunately, many innocent girls become victims of deception when a man falsely promises marriage, gains emotional or physical advantage, and later abandons the relationship. Such cases not only destroy trust but can also deeply affect a woman’s dignity, mental peace, social life, and future.
In an important online lecture, Advocate Qasim Bin Sajjad discussed the legal position in Pakistan regarding false promises of marriage, emotional exploitation, cyber harassment, and criminal liability. He explained that the law does not remain silent when someone manipulates another person through deceit, threats, blackmail, or exploitation.
This article explains the legal remedies available in Pakistan if a girl is deceived with a false promise of marriage, what evidence can be used, when an FIR may be registered, and how cybercrime laws may protect victims.
Understanding False Promise of Marriage
A false promise of marriage occurs when a person intentionally gives assurance of marriage to gain emotional, physical, financial, or personal advantage without genuine intention to fulfill that promise.
In many situations:
- The accused emotionally manipulates the girl
- Gains trust over months or years
- Forces emotional dependence
- Exploits private conversations or photographs
- Makes fake commitments about Nikah or engagement
- Later refuses marriage or disappears entirely
Such behavior can become far more serious when accompanied by:
- Threats
- Blackmail
- Harassment
- Extortion
- Intimate image misuse
- Cybercrime activities
- Sexual exploitation through deception
Why Such Cases Are Extremely Serious
According to Advocate Qasim Irteza, many girls from respectable families avoid speaking publicly due to fear of social pressure, humiliation, or defamation.
However, silence often encourages the wrongdoer.
The emotional trauma suffered by victims can include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Social isolation
- Family pressure
- Mental breakdown
- Loss of reputation
- Emotional instability
- Fear of blackmail
- Cyber harassment
In some cases, victims are threatened with:
- Viral videos
- Social media leaks
- Private image exposure
- Defamation campaigns
- Extortion demands
These actions are not merely immoral — they may constitute serious criminal offenses under Pakistani law.
Legal Position Under Pakistani Law
Section 375 and Sexual Exploitation Through Deception
Under Pakistani law, consent obtained through fraud, manipulation, or deception may lose legal validity in certain circumstances.
If a person induces a girl into an intimate relationship by deliberately making a false promise of marriage, courts may examine whether the consent was genuine or obtained through deceitful inducement.
This becomes even more serious where:
- The accused never intended to marry
- False promises were repeatedly used
- Emotional manipulation was intentional
- Exploitation continued over time
Special Protection for Minors Under 18
One of the most important points highlighted by Advocate Qasim Irteza is that the law treats minors differently.
Even if a girl appears to give consent, if she is below 18 years of age, the law may still consider the act unlawful because minors are legally vulnerable to manipulation and coercion.
The law recognizes that:
- Emotional maturity differs from physical maturity
- Minors can easily be deceived
- Young girls may not fully understand consequences
- Predators often target emotional vulnerability
This is why courts treat such cases with seriousness.
Evidence That Can Help Prove the Case
Many victims believe they cannot prove emotional deception. However, modern digital communication often creates valuable evidence.
Important evidence may include:
1. Chat Messages
- WhatsApp conversations
- Facebook Messenger chats
- Instagram DMs
- SMS messages
- Telegram conversations
Messages promising marriage can become important evidence.
2. Audio Recordings
Voice recordings discussing marriage plans, Nikah arrangements, or future commitments may strengthen the case.
3. Call Records
Call detail records (CDRs) may establish communication patterns and relationship history.
4. Photos and Videos
Shared photographs, engagement discussions, or family meetings may help establish the seriousness of the relationship.
5. Witnesses
Friends, relatives, neighbors, or mediators aware of the relationship may provide testimony.
Threats, Blackmail & Cyber Harassment
Many offenders later threaten victims by saying:
- “I will leak your videos.”
- “I will upload your pictures online.”
- “I will ruin your reputation.”
- “I will defame you publicly.”
These actions may constitute:
- Criminal intimidation
- Blackmail
- Extortion
- Cyber harassment
- Privacy violations
Such conduct is punishable under Pakistani cybercrime laws.
FIA Cyber Crime Wing – A Powerful Legal Remedy
Victims may file complaints before the Federal Investigation Agency Cyber Crime Wing.
The FIA Cyber Crime Wing can investigate:
- Social media blackmail
- Fake accounts
- Viral threats
- Intimate image leaks
- Online harassment
- Digital extortion
- Illegal recordings
- Privacy violations
Importantly, victims may request confidentiality and protection of identity during proceedings.
Can an FIR Be Registered?
Yes. Depending on the facts, multiple criminal provisions may apply.
Possible criminal allegations may include:
- Criminal intimidation
- Harassment
- Extortion
- Blackmail
- Cybercrime offenses
- Sexual exploitation through deception
- Defamation
- Privacy violations
Every case depends upon evidence, facts, and legal strategy.
Civil Claim for Compensation & Damages
Apart from criminal proceedings, victims may also pursue:
Civil Damages Claims
A civil suit may seek compensation for:
- Emotional suffering
- Mental trauma
- Reputation damage
- Financial loss
- Harassment
Courts may examine:
- Nature of deception
- Duration of relationship
- Evidence of false promises
- Psychological impact
- Public humiliation
Importance of Immediate Legal Action
Delay often weakens legal claims.
Victims should:
- Preserve chats and screenshots
- Save audio recordings
- Keep backup evidence
- Avoid deleting conversations
- Contact a competent lawyer immediately
- File complaints without unnecessary delay
Role of Courts in Such Cases
Courts increasingly recognize emotional exploitation and cyber harassment as serious societal issues.
As highlighted by Advocate Qasim Irteza, judges are human beings who understand the emotional pain suffered by victims and may provide strong legal relief where evidence supports the allegations.
Important Legal Advice for Families
Families should:
- Take complaints seriously
- Support victims emotionally
- Avoid suppressing lawful complaints
- Preserve digital evidence carefully
- Consult experienced lawyers immediately
Silence often benefits the wrongdoer.
Practical Steps If You Are a Victim
Step-by-Step Legal Approach
Step 1 – Preserve Evidence
Save chats, screenshots, recordings, and social media evidence.
Step 2 – Consult a Lawyer
Seek immediate legal guidance.
Step 3 – File Cybercrime Complaint
Approach the FIA Cyber Crime Wing if online harassment exists.
Step 4 – Lodge FIR Where Applicable
Initiate criminal proceedings if threats, blackmail, or exploitation occurred.
Step 5 – File Civil Claim
Seek damages and compensation if necessary.
Social Awareness & Moral Responsibility
Society must understand that emotional exploitation is not entertainment or “modern behavior.” Playing with someone’s trust, dignity, emotions, or future can destroy lives.
The law exists to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse, deception, and exploitation.
FAQs
