Love knows no borders: Pakistani woman crosses border to marry Kolkata fiancé, granted 45-day visa for extraordinary union

In a heartening tale of cross-border love, Javeria Khanum from Karachi, Pakistan, arrived in India on Tuesday to unite with her fiancé Sameer Khan, a resident of Kolkata. The 21-year-old bride-to-be was granted a 45-day visa by the Indian government, paving the way for their impending nuptials.

Javeria crossed the Wagah border and was warmly welcomed by Sameer and his father, Ahmed Kamal Khan Yousafzai, amidst the rhythmic beats of 'dhol,' symbolizing the joyous occasion. The couple, radiant with happiness, expressed their gratitude to the Indian government for facilitating Javeria's visit.

Sameer, speaking to the media, remarked, "I would like to thank the Indian government for their cooperation. Borders do not matter when the intentions are pure." The couple plans to solemnize their marriage in January next year, after which Javeria will apply 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 an elated Javeria.

Expressing his joy, Sameer stated, "It is a happy ending and a happy beginning. Everyone back home was very happy. I can’t believe I have got the visa after five years." The couple's union was facilitated with the assistance of Maqbool Ahmed Wasi Qadian, a journalist and social worker known for aiding Pakistani brides in securing visas to enter India.

Detailing the origin of their love story, Sameer revealed, "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."

In a truly international touch, Sameer shared that friends from his time in Germany, hailing from Africa, Spain, the United States, and other countries, are expected to attend their wedding, adding a diverse and global flavor to the celebration.

As the couple embarks on this unique journey, their story stands as a testament to the power of love that transcends borders and cultural differences.