Javeria Khanum, a resident of Karachi, Pakistan, arrived in India on Tuesday with plans to marry her fiancé Sameer Khan, a resident of Kolkata. The 21-year-old woman was granted a 45-day visa by the Indian government, marking a significant step in their long-awaited union.
Entering India through the Wagah border, Javeria was warmly welcomed by her fiancé Sameer and her future father-in-law Ahmed Kamal Khan Yousafzai, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the 'dhol'.
Their plans for marriage were initially disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, causing delays for about five years. Notably, Javeria's visa application had faced rejection twice in the past.
The couple expressed their gratitude to the Indian government for their cooperation and reflected on the significance of their union despite border restrictions. Sameer remarked, "I would like to thank the Indian government for their cooperation. Borders do not matter when the intentions are pure."
Scheduled for January next year, the wedding ceremony will be followed by Javeria applying for a long-term visa to continue her stay in India.
"I have been granted a 45-day visa. I am very happy to be here. Just on arrival, I am already getting so much love here. In the first week of January, the marriage will be solemnized," shared Javeria during interactions with the media.
Describing the moment as a "happy ending and a happy beginning," she expressed her disbelief and joy in securing the visa after a five-year wait. The couple looks forward to the next chapter of their lives with optimism and appreciation for the support received.
Maqbool Ahmed Wasi Qadian, a journalist and social worker, played a crucial role in assisting Javeria in obtaining the visa, adding to his track record of helping Pakistani brides navigate the visa process.
Reflecting on the origin of their relationship, Sameer shared, "This started in May 2018. I had come home from Germany where I was studying. I saw her photo on my mother's phone and expressed my interest. I told my mother that I wanted to get married to Javeria."
Furthermore, Sameer anticipates the attendance of friends from his time in Germany, representing diverse nationalities, at the upcoming wedding ceremony.
