ADVICE AUNTIE AGNI.

Dear Auntie Agni,

I am a fourth-year medical student at a renowned medical university in Pakistan and I have fallen in love with my classmate. We have been dating for a year now and we both strongly feel for one another. However, our relationship faces a significant hurdle. My girlfriend is Hindu and we both come from different cultural and religious backgrounds.

We have finally come to the conclusion that we cannot have a future together, mainly because of the societal pressures and expectations that come with it. Despite this, we find ourselves unable to let go of each other and are always thinking of each other. I have suggested she talk to her parents about our relationship, or perhaps even get married in court. However, she is reluctant to betray her family, knowing that it could create a difficult situation for them in society.

Auntie, I am lost. We both want to spend our lives together, but it seems impossible. I do not want to lose the person I love and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make our relationship work.

Hopeless Lover

'I am in love with a girl from a different faith'

Dear Hopeless Lover,

You are facing a challenging situation, given the cultural and religious differences between you and your girlfriend. While it is admirable that you are trying to think of solutions, it is important to consider the potential consequences of your actions.

In a conservative society like Pakistan, the societal forces working against your union will be colossal, from both communities. You are already thinking about the consequences, which shows you are mindful of the impact that your actions may have on your families and the broader community. Let's just say, most people in your situation in Pakistan don't succeed. Not sure if there are any statistics on inter-faith marriages here, but it wouldn't surprise me if many couples in your situation leave the country to settle down in societies that are more tolerant.

You mentioned that your girlfriend is reluctant to betray her family, knowing that it could create a difficult situation...