Thaindian News

By Awais Saleem
Islamabad, Oct 18 (IANS) A young man in Pakistan is to marry two women within a span of two days in an attempt to resolve a dilemma over wedding the woman to whom he had been engaged since childhood or to wed the woman he loves.

Azhar Haideri, a 23-year-old herbal medicine practitioner, wanted to marry his maternal cousin Romana Aslam and their engagement was organised a year ago. However, the final rituals were not conducted at that time because his parents wanted his paternal cousin, Humera Qasim, to become their daughter-in-law.

After almost a year of persuasion, it was decided by the elders of the family that “he will have to marry both”, local media reports said.

Haideri, a resident of Multan city in Punjab province, had no option but to go for it to be able to unite with his first love, Romana.

“If others are happy with this situation, I am also happy,” Haideri told IANS. “I’ll try to keep both of my wives happy,” he said.

Both the women say they think the compromise is a good one and they plan to live as sisters and friends, it was reported.

The locals are taking keen interest in the marriages that have also found a place in the media.

The law in Pakistan permits polygamy, but men who take multiple wives usually do so years apart and must get approval from their first wife prior to a second marriage.

Haideri’s marriage with Humera was solemnised Sunday night in a typical ceremony. He will marry Romana Tuesday.

A joint reception will be held Wednesday.

(Awais Saleem can be contacted at ians.pakistan@gmail.com)