An American woman arrived in Pakistan to marry a Sialkot man she met on Instagram. In an interview to Daily Pakistan, 21-year-old Kashif Ali said age was not an issue in marrying 41-year-old Maria Helena, and they had started talking only 10 months ago on Instagram.
Maria arrived in Pakistan on Thursday to tie the knot with 21-year-old Kashif. The couple shared their story with Daily Pakistan just before their nikkah at Kashif’s home in his native town of Raipur, a village in Sialkot.
According to Kashif, who is currently completing his B.Com, the two had started talking on social media 10 months ago. He said that he had convinced her to convert to Islam by introducing her to lectures by Dr. Zakir Naik, and teaching her about Islam himself.
He also added that he is teaching Maria how to pray.
“I am just so happy that I have no words.” : 41-year-old Maria Helena
Maria Helena said she is a reiki master, driver and dog trainer. She is from California and lives near San Francisco. Responding to question, she said she is willing to live with her husband in either the USA or Pakistan.
The couple has received widespread media attention and reporters from many channels showed up to cover the wedding and talk to the new couple.
Talking about their future plans, Maria said that she is willing to live wherever Kashif wanted. While social media has accused Kashif of marrying an American citizen who is so much older than him only for the sake of one day becoming an American citizen himself, he replied that he would like to live in Pakistan with his family.
When asked about their children, Maria replied, “It’s up to God.”
This is not the first story of a non-Pakistani married to a Pakistani. The most high-profile case of recent years has of course been Shoaib Malik’s marriage to Indian tennis player Sania Mirza. Coincidentally, Raipur, where Kashif lives, also happens to be Shoaib Malik’s hometown.
Earlier this year, an Indian woman, Kiran Bala, who had come to Pakistan to attend the traditional Besakhi festival married a resident of Lahore and embraced Islam.
After her marriage, Kiran’s name name was changed to Amna Bibi. She stated that she didn’t want to return to India.
Amna had requested a visa extension so she could remain in Pakistan. She also added that following her marriage, she had been receiving death threats.
Tag: News , World , US woman marries 21-year-old Pakistani student