Mindy Rasmussen, a 47-year-old Illinois woman, traveled to Pakistan to meet her 31-year-old boyfriend, Sajid Zeb Khan, whom she met online and fell in love with. The US woman has gone viral for her Chicago to Upper Dir lover story that has the support of both families. Mindy met Sajid online through Facebook a year ago and reached Pakistan earlier this month on a 90-day visit visa. Pakistani media reported that Rasmussen converted to Islam and adopted new name Zulekha as she solemnized her marriage with Sajid. Sajid said there was no force on Mindy to travel to Pakistan and to convert to Islam — neither from him nor from his family. “She is a mature woman capable of making her own choices. We are tying the knot of our own free will,” Sajid told the Dawn. Mindy said she informed her family members including her father, older sister and younger brother, that she was going to Pakistan to marry the man she met online. They all supported the decision and were excited. The US woman said it was her first visit to Pakistan and she was welcomed with flowers at Islabamad International Airport by Sajid. Then they traveled to Dir where she received a warm welcome from his family members and neighbors. “It’s my first visit to Pakistan, and I must say it’s a beautiful and peaceful country,” she said, as quoted by Pakistani media. “The kindness and hospitality I’ve experienced here are beyond anything I expected.” Mindy also said to Pakistani media she would encourage other foreigners to visit Pakistan and explore its culture, hospitality and beauty.Mindy said her husband Sajid is a loving and humble man whose sincerity and respect drew her closer to him.
