A 47-year-old woman from Chicago, USA, travelled to a remote village in Pakistan’s Upper Dir district to marry a man she met online.
According to a Dawn report, Mindy Rasmussen met 31-year-old Sajid Zeb Khan from the village of Usherai Dara about a year ago through Facebook. What began as casual online chats soon developed into a deep bond through regular video calls, eventually leading to love.
Rasmussen proposed to Khan, and after getting the blessings of both families, she flew to Pakistan on a 90-day visa. She landed at Islamabad International Airport, where Khan greeted her with flowers. The couple then travelled to his hometown, where Rasmussen received a traditional welcome from family and friends, complete with local gifts.
Before the wedding, Rasmussen converted to Islam and adopted the name Zulekha. The two were married according to Islamic customs and local village traditions.
“It’s my first visit to Pakistan, and I must say it’s a beautiful and peaceful country,” Rasmussen told the local media.
“The kindness and hospitality I’ve experienced here are beyond anything I expected.”
She also mentioned that her family fully supports her decision.
“They know I’m here and are excited for me,” she said, referring to her father, older sister, and younger brother.
When asked about her husband, she called him “a loving and humble man.”
Khan also emphasized that Rasmussen’s decision to convert was her own.
“There was no pressure from me or my family,” he said.
“She is a mature woman capable of making her own choices. We are tying the knot of our own free will.”