Former Pakistan prime minister and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has said he is happy at the news of the wedding of Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, adding that political issues could also be resolved through a similar ‘positive approach’.
Malik and Mirza will tie the knot on April 11 in Hyderabad while their wedding reception is slated to be held in Dubai on April 15.
Earlier, Mirza confirmed the news about her marrying Malik, and said both will settle in Dubai after marriage.
The two famous sports personalities would be getting married at a time when ties between India and Pakistan are not so cordial following the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
They are not the first cross-border couple. Former Pakistan Test opener Mohsin Khan had married Bollywood actress Reena Roy in the 1980s, but the marriage didn’t last long.
Mirza has already clarified that she was not making any political statement by marrying Malik.
Addressing the media outside her house in Hyderabad, Sania said, “We are not getting married for making political statement. We are getting married, that is the only thing in my mind. It is as simple just like you people get married.”
“I’m very happy, my family is very happy with the occasion. The reception will be held on April 15. The venue has not been decided as yet. It is still weeks away, but I’m happy,” she added.
