Pakistani love story ends unhappily in India
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GUJARAT: When it comes to love, borders usually don’t matter, and as the saying goes, ‘love will find a way’.
But that wasn’t the case for a young Pakistani couple who tried to cross into India only to be returned to the hands of Pakistani Rangers.
In the second week of June, Akbar Ali and Zarina tried to cross the border through a opening in the fence near Border Outpost 1106.
“They didn’t try to sneak in but were shouting at the top of their voice to catch the attention of the Border Security Force guards,” a BSF guard recalled.
The BSF apprehended the couple, but a few hours of questioning convinced them, and the other intelligence agencies, that this was just a desperate couple in the throes of love.
Akbar, 28, a tailor by trade and Zarina, 20, were in love but the headman of Zarina's village wanted her to marry his son.
With no other options, the hapless couple thought of seeking refuge in India.
“They said they believed India would do them justice ... that they would be killed if we handed them back,” said an officer of the BSF.
But there was little that the BSF could do.
It could hand them over to the local police who would book them for illegal crossing, and after they serve their jail term, send them back to Pakistan. Or it could seek a flag meeting with the local commander of the Pakistani Rangers and hand them back to him.
And that’s what the BSF did. Not all love stories end in happily ever after.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (70) Closed
Jun 26, 2013 05:24pm
I heard a similar story where a young boy 17 or 18 shouted to Pakistani rangers. He was curious. Rangers asked him to come over. That guy was arrested for spying and spent many years in Pakistani Jails. He came close to death.
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Jun 26, 2013 06:02pm
The stone shown in the picture, is that a monument erected at the border in the memory of those love birds, or what? :)
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Jun 26, 2013 06:17pm
What a misleading caption !
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Jun 26, 2013 06:54pm
Sad it didn't work out for Akbar and Zarina.
But I would have enjoyed the story even more if the couple were in the throes of young love rather than "throws".
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Jun 26, 2013 07:14pm
I wish India had done them justice, on humanitarian grounds. It seems common people of Pakistan have more faith in Indian sense of justice rather than that of their society.
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Jun 26, 2013 07:45pm
This is just awful. The BSF could have just let them go and allow them to live in anonymity somewhere in Gujarat or Rajasthan. I hope that the Pakistani Rangers are kinder and let them loose away from the tyranny of the village headman. Humanity must always trump unjust laws and arbitrary authority.
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Jun 26, 2013 07:49pm
where is the story? Is this like a chapter story?
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Jun 26, 2013 08:11pm
Disappointing for the couple. I hope, pakistani rangers would do something for the couple. It's against human rights to force for the marriage. when are you people going to understand...
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Jun 26, 2013 08:30pm
Millions upon millions of Bangladeshi illegal immigrants...upsetting the demographics in the North East...trying to become "Indians" and vote too...
And, two young lovers turned away...ah.that is the way the world works,I guess?!?!:(:(:(
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Jun 26, 2013 08:41pm
This is the most absurd story. If Pakistan can't protect and give justice to their own citizen's what does the author expect India to do?
How can a respected newspaper like Dawn let this story get through its editorial board. Such stories contribute to creating bad blood. Hope better sense prevails.
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Jun 26, 2013 09:52pm
unhappily in India? Were they happy in Pakistan? They said they believed India would do them justice ... Why pakistani citizens looking for justice in India. Is Pakistan not having a system in place for providing justice to its citizens in Pakistan. Writer seems to be nerdy.
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Jun 26, 2013 10:54pm
The real reason behind all these tragedies is the man called M.A.Jinnah who divided humanity of Indian sub-continent into Muslim and Non-Muslims.
Hence all the trouble!
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Jun 26, 2013 11:41pm
we are a system now, no longer countries of people. We are no longer humans, can no longer care for one another. It appears, I hope am wrong though.
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Jun 27, 2013 12:18am
It is just the first episode of the love story and rest of the story is yet to unfold. Stay tuned.
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Jun 27, 2013 02:54am
@Vikram:
That happens on both sides of the fence and that is the reality,neither side cares enough to do the right thing.So don't act like only Pakistanis do such shameful acts.
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Jun 27, 2013 03:46am
@Vikram:
Indian propaganda machine never fails to take a shot.
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Jun 27, 2013 03:57am
Howcome do we know that its not happy ending. The whole issue is brought to the attention of Pakistani Rangers now, the Village chief better not try to harm the couple now, and they can get to live in their own village. whats wrong with that? compare that to years of toiling in Indian jails.
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Jun 27, 2013 03:58am
The story feels so incomplete .. what happened next ?? Are they alive? Can local police do something to protect them?
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Jun 27, 2013 05:10am
Curios case of the pot calling the kettle 'black'
India did the correct thing - not letting possible terrorists into India.
And now these Pakistani's who rely on India for Justice, and when they do not get Justice in their own lands, start blaming India for Injustice.
May India, forever, be unjust with terrorists.
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Jun 27, 2013 05:15am
@Vikram:
I heard of a young mother and daughter trying to cross in Kashmir. They were caught and shot as suspected agents.
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Jun 27, 2013 07:13am
I'm surprised the Indian army didn't kill them, because that's what they do either kill or put Pakistanis in jail for the rest of their lives.
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Jun 27, 2013 08:14am
Re:Akbar and Zarina's "Pakistani Love story...": now they are in Pakistan. I'd like to know what Zarina's village headman is ding now and what Pakistan will do for Akbar and Zarina.
I am saddened to read that Dawn has concluded that their love "ends unhappily" in that they have been returned to Pakistan--their home!
Perhaps they should have gone to Kashmir, like the militants. Or, perhaps a tailer and his "dependent" bride-to-be were no scoop for India's money machine?
Anyway, the village headman should be reined in FIRST and his son should reject bara mia's choice to do the right thing!
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Jun 27, 2013 09:27am
@Vikram:
mate, that was the story of the fiction movie "refugee" that was written by a paid bollywood (india) playwright! you take movies waaaay too seriously I guess : )
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Jun 27, 2013 09:32am
How about if the Pakistani boy would have fallen in love with an Indian girl -- the BSF would have given them a Fiance Visa?
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Jun 27, 2013 09:47am
@Agha Ata:
The caption under the photo says it's a view of the region.
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Jun 27, 2013 10:13am
@Vikram:
Heard?
Check mate brother....
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Jun 27, 2013 10:15am
Good they didnt shoot them! Usually they do.
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Jun 27, 2013 10:25am
My heart goes out to Akbar and Zarina.. I feel bad that they were returned by BSF against their wishes. The bright side is that Indians did not shoot them dead as 'spies'.
I am sure if the two were in the times of the holy prophet (mpbuh), he would have allowed them to get married.. I am praying for their safety and happy lives.
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Jun 27, 2013 10:41am
@Vikram:
That's rubbish
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Jun 27, 2013 10:41am
That's rubbish
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Jun 27, 2013 10:58am
@Vikram:
Bhai lumbi lumbi mut choro. Bollywood key movie banain ka hay kia
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Jun 27, 2013 11:10am
@Vikram:
i can not forget the brutal murder of two innocent patriotic Indian Sarabjit Singh and Chamel Singh. Indians are waiting when these murderers will be taken to Nuremberg style trials.
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Jun 27, 2013 11:35am
@Vikram:
The insensitivity of the border guards was indeed abhorring. There is nothing as beautiful as two young ones in love. I hope they continue this way with the blessings of their parents.and live happily ever after.
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Jun 27, 2013 12:13pm
@Vikram:
hahah..!
indians always hav a story..!! :P
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Jun 27, 2013 12:15pm
for a longer peace to last. There should be no exchange of any sort between India and Pakistan. Both hate each other with almost equal passion.There is nothing common (As Indians descended from Indus while Pakistani's from Arabs) whats a point in nurturing these stories,they are just distractions from the real facts on ground
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Jun 27, 2013 12:15pm
Who has written this story ? It's a matter of security and country . No place of emotion is there.
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Jun 27, 2013 12:48pm
A real shame. Humanity should be paramount not nationality or religion. The couple should have been accorded a safe haven in India to live without fear of their village elders. When there are 1+ bn in the land mass what difference do 2 young lovers or for that matter 100,000 additional lovers make. It would make a good story for a Bollywood (or Lollywood) film. Seriously though, I hope they are safe and living happily together wherever they are.
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Jun 27, 2013 01:25pm
Even as an Indian, I am willing to bet that had it been a case of two Indian lovers (from different communities/caste) that had pleaded for help from Pakistani Rangers, they would have been helped out a lot more -- I think that most of them (esp in the Gujarat/Rajasthan sector) are more large-hearted than their Indian counterparts.
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Jun 27, 2013 01:31pm
Indians rejected them as not to give any militants an opportunity to use the same method to come to india.
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Jun 27, 2013 01:42pm
We already have our hands full from Hindu refugees fleeing Pakistan. Their plight is much more as it is a question of survival.
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Jun 27, 2013 01:57pm
If Indian lovers are allowed to cross border freely to go to pakistan also, they will never do that mistake, no body wants go from haven to hell, and also if they go to media, media will make a marriage and show it to all indians
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Jun 27, 2013 02:22pm
You all realize the headmen is Thor. No one messes with Thor.
But yeah on a serious note, feel sorry for the couple. The desperation is clear in understanding that they wanted to be caught and risk may be, long life in jail.
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Jun 27, 2013 02:24pm
the comments seem to have missed the point, why should india be expected to give this young couple refuge? Why can they not seek refuge in Pakistan, they are after all Pakistani citizens not indian citizens. Our citizens problems are not India's responsibility, its Pakistan's responsibility!
the local administration should take notice and offer to assist the couple, negotiating with the families to find an amicable solution.
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Jun 27, 2013 03:46pm
the couple should be freed on humanitarian grounds. Pakistani ranger, who caught them, may understand the feelings of couple after falling in love with someone.
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Jun 27, 2013 03:59pm
There are many safe places in Pakistan. They must be misguided... or have some interests in India :p
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Jun 27, 2013 04:05pm
@Ram Prakash:
actually the impresssion bollywood movies have created over our simple population, everyone thinks that india is a land of love. they dont know that the reality is far horrifying than that in pakistan.
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Jun 27, 2013 04:04pm
I think BSF did a great job and they deserve an applause. They saved the helpless couple from worst they would have endured in Indian jails. Border protectors on both sides must act in similar fashion to reduce sufferings of people who illegally cross over willingly or mistakenly.
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Jun 27, 2013 04:27pm
Love is the most sacred and beautiful feeling on earth it should be respected at any cost without any biasing like nationality, religion, ethnicity, color, race, etc. As the love generates love and this could bring some more happiness in world. I wish BSF man would have helped them. He may have remembered forever as the suppporter of love.
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Jun 27, 2013 07:39pm
Pakistani and Indian people are flesh of of the same flesh and blood of the same blood.Coming together is their natural propensity.Artificially dividing the two Quaums in the name of Mazhab(Religion)is a grave error.It is never too late to correct the mistake.Both governments should sit together and sign Legislation for easy movement of men &Materials.Problems of BOTH COUNTRIES will disappear overnight.All Pakistanis must demand economic union with India,leaving either party to govern internally a la European Union.
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Jun 27, 2013 08:05pm
I wonder why the couple decided to go to India? Could not they have gone to Lahore, Pindi, Karachi? There are loads of people and they could have lived there anonymously. BSF did what they are supposed to do,Stop infiltration, terrorist or no terrorist. Good thing is that couple shouted otherwise they could have been shot if they were trying to sneak quietly. I think BSF and Pakistani rangers could have arranged for a moulvi and get their Nikah done and provide them with proper papers of proof of their wedding. If they are from nearby village in Pakistan, the Pakistani ranger can make it very clear to the people of village that they should stop bothering the couple.
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Jun 27, 2013 08:06pm
@Rashid Sultan:
I wish that would have been the thinking of Muslim league that asked for Pakistan. Too late now brother. Too much water has flown under the bridge now. Best is to keep our flocks to us and provide them with justice rather forcing them to flee their own country and look justice elsewhere. As for another couple adding to 1 billion+ people, it could be an issue if they turn into "kasab" like characters so India's apprehension are right on the spot.
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Jun 27, 2013 08:09pm
@moazzam:
That is what they are supposed to do if someone tries cross the border illegally. There is a system to visit a country and there is a requirement to get a document called VISA.
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Jun 27, 2013 08:14pm
@Rao:
actually the real reason is not Jinnah. The real reason is Gandhi and Nehru who wanted a land for Hindus only where they can keep the hindu cast system going. Otherwise there were close to 40% muslims, sikhs and Christians in India at the time of partition. 40% is a hardly a minority. Gandhi and Nehru were insecure and did not want to deal with the muslims. That is why Pakistan was created. Don't blame Jinnah.
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Jun 27, 2013 08:37pm
couples are pretending as a lover but actually they are trying to create terrorism in india.
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Jun 27, 2013 08:41pm
Theee Eendd... Reads like a bedtime story. What happens next?? Are they dead?? Are they alive?? Are they at Edhi center??
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Jun 27, 2013 09:46pm
@Rashid Sultan:
its not on India. the Pakistani authorities need to provide protection. Another country can't jsut take in another's citizen's, it can lead to diplomatic disasters, expecially between Pakistan and India.
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Jun 27, 2013 09:49pm
It is NOT about the borders. Shame on both countries. Neither gave the lovers a shelter they wanted for their love to survive. People commenting on this board must see the 'humanity' (or the lack of it?) associated with this story, and the state of our neighborliness. Should it always be about the border?
Roger
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Jun 27, 2013 10:03pm
So proud of India :D
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Jun 27, 2013 11:22pm
@Vikram:
probably deserved it
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Jun 27, 2013 11:44pm
Dawn, are you hiring your writers from Times of India? Poorly written, misleading headline :(
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Jun 28, 2013 05:04am
Blame the Indians for sending them back to Pakistan but not the tribal leaders who wanted to force marry the women? Is that not just a little bit backwards thinking?
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Jun 28, 2013 06:38am
@ANAND:
Heaven to Hell? Are you serious? Since when India has become a Heaven? Ah! got it, that's why I see Indians in almost all corners of the world. They don't want to live in that "Heaven". May be you should have said, from one hell to another hell. Get real Mr. Anand and stop this stupid superiority complex.
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Jun 28, 2013 06:35am
@Burhan:
safest place in pak is 6 feet under
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Jun 28, 2013 06:35am
@moazzam:
Well we rescued 90000 from an awful troubles. Don't forget that.
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Jun 28, 2013 06:40am
People seem to be missing the real issue here. It is not whether they should have been allowed to enter India, but rather, why they felt the need to flee to begin with. This man and woman were both adults, fully entitled to choose their own marital partners. They should not have to fear any backlash from their families or villages. The real answer lies in attitudinal change to respect individual choices.
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Jun 28, 2013 06:21pm
@NASAH (USA):
"How about if the Pakistani boy would have fallen in love with an Indian girl -- the BSF would have given them a Fiance Visa?"
I could remember a case of a hindu girl from kerala fallen in love with a pakistani boy.Her parents were highly disgusted by her act.Eventually she lost everything parents ,family and india of course except the boy.So a big no...India discourages India pak marriage even in abroad by not issuing visa to couple...
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Jun 28, 2013 06:25pm
Well ,whatever may be the case..But this is not good sign at all for pakistan as a society.Seems like people r loosing their faith in the system
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Jun 28, 2013 06:43pm
Very sad for the young ones in question! Heartless of the Indian BSF! Thye lost a chance to garner the love of both countries. I hope the elders in their village see reason, let them get married and they live happily for long in Pakistan! I urge all Pakistanis to support their cause.
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Jun 29, 2013 02:41am
@Nauman:
Well put Nauman!
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Jun 29, 2013 04:52am
@moazzam:
How did you escape?
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