1、Valentines Day is a relatively new tradition in Pakistan, a conservative Muslim society where romance almost always takes second place to family ties and responsibility.On Valentines Day in Islamabad, flower stalls are overflowing.Mohammad and Shamoona Tanvir are a rare example of a love marriage.I
2、was dancing at a friends wedding and she was standing with her friends. It was love at first sight. I thought she was the most beautiful woman there, Mohammad admits.Romantic love and flirting are frowned upon in Pakistan. So Mohammad only talked to Shamoona when her parents were not around, on a ce
3、ll phone smuggled to her by her cousin. They got married six months later - but only after their parents met and approved.Obeying ones parents is central to Pakistani culture. Family ties are considered more important than love.Like most marriages here, Usma Ayubs marriage to Sohail Ahmed Khan was a
4、rranged by his mother, Zahida.Here, the marriages that are most successful are arranged by the parents. Love marriages dont work out, Zahida notes. Parents always think the best for their children. And, normally the children are obedient - the parents show them photographs of who they have chosen an
5、d they accept and get married.Usma and Sohail first met on their wedding day. Five years later, they have twin boys.My parents were absolutely correct in their choice. They made the right decision, Usma says.Marrying without parental approval can mean being completely cut off from ones family. It can also result in social exile. So for now in Pakistan, Cupids arrow is still mostly shot by mothers.
