KARACHI, Pakistan News: Newlywed and hailed as cross-border peace ambassadors, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik arrived in Pakistan on Thursday to a frenzied reception.
Camera bulbs flashed and fans thronged to get a glimpse of the lovebirds as they landed at Karachi airport, their first visit here after their April 12 wedding that bridged the two nations’ bitter sporting and political divide.
The pair are in Pakistan for a week of celebrations — after a tough engagement and media frenzy.
Hundreds of fans gathered outside Jinnah International Airport, carrying placards reading: “Welcome to Pakistan’s daughter-in-law”.
“I am very happy for both of them and I hope their marriage helps build relations between the two countries,” said well-wisher Faqir Khan, a waiter.
Mirza, in sunglasses, red trousers and a green tunic, grasped the hand of her new husband, who was wearing blue jeans and a green t-shirt.
The couple were welcomed by provincial sports minister Mohammad Ali Shah and other local government officials, but did not speak to reporters.
“I am both disappointed and happy,” said labourer and sports fan Ijaz Ahmad. “I’m disappointed because I could not see a glimpse of them, but I wish them a happy future and I am very happy that they both got married.”
Twenty-eight-year-old Malik married Mirza, 23, in the Indian city of Hyderabad on April 12 after divorcing another Indian woman, Ayesha Siddiqui, who said she wed the former Pakistan cricket captain in 2002.
Malik, a former Pakistan captain, is serving a one-year ban for breaches of discipline, while Mirza is recovering from a wrist injury.
The Indian tennis star will apply for a visa to Sialkot, Malik’s hometown, where a reception is planned for April 25.
Another reception will be held in the eastern city Lahore two days later, family sources said.
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