Punjab man set to marry Pak lover he met on Facebook

AMRITSAR: Yet another tale of love between India and Pakistan nationals is unfolding as a Pakistani woman, Maria Bibi, and her Indian boyfriend, Sonu Masih, are eagerly navigating through a myriad formalities and restrictions, anticipating their ultimate and joyous union.
Having first connected on Facebook about four years ago, Maria and Sonu, both practising Christians, have not only shared numerous moments virtually but have also met in person.With the consent of their parents, they have made the heartfelt decision to get married and establish their life together at Sathiyali village in Punjab's Gurdaspur district.
Maqbool Chaudhary, a social worker based in Qadian, who has first-hand experience having married a Pakistani woman himself, is now extending support to Sonu. He said: "Both of them have travelled to the Pakistan side of Kartarpur Corridor, where Maria Bibi and Sonu Masih not only finally met each other in person but also introduced their parents. After these meetings, they jointly decided to solemnise their marriage in India."
In a recent chapter of cross-border love, Jawaria Khanam, a resident of Pakistan's Karachi city, successfully crossed the Attari land border to reunite with her beloved Samir Khan, a resident of Kolkata, after overcoming various hurdles.
Expressing hope that Maria Bibi will soon overcome all hurdles and join Sonu in India, Chaudhary said, "The governments of both countries should provide special concessions in granting visas in such cases."
According to a sponsorship certificate issued by block development and panchayat officer Kahnuwan, Sonu has sponsored Maria and describes her as his 'fiance' in this form. He also added in the form that he had known her for the past four years, adding that Maria would come to India for their marriage.