Shooting their way to a fairytale ending

Videogames, though often maligned as a societal evil, can sometimes end up being the source of a fairytale ending. As was the case for Chitrali boy Shahid Hussain Shah, who found the love of his life, an American girl named Sarah, after the two fell head over heels while shooting at each other in the virtual universe of the ever-popular Pub G.

Shahid Hussain Shah, son of Islam Shah, hailing from Rui in Lutkoh, Garam Chashma, Chitral, recently tied the knot with Sarah. Shahid's family resides lives in the Mori area of the rugged mountainous district.

Fulfilling her promise, Sarah traveled from the United States to Pakistan, accompanied by her mother. After a brief stay in Islamabad, they journeyed to Chitral. Upon arrival, Sarah embraced Islam and married Shahid Hussain Shah following Islamic traditions.

Sarah, who hails from Arizona, met Shahid through social media. Despite belonging to different countries and cultures, the two understood each other's emotions and strengthened their bond. Over time, their conversations grew into a deep love, leading them to decide to embark on a new chapter in their lives together.

This marriage is not only a memorable moment for them, but an beautiful example of international love and cultural harmony.

However, not all Pub G love stories have the fairytale ending. The love story of a Pakistani woman and an Indian man, who met through the popular online, captured media attention last year after it led to their arrest.

Seema Ghulam Haider, 27, and Sachin Meena, 22, connected through the gaming platform a few years ago. In May, Seema entered India illegally with her four children to live with Sachin. The couple had been residing together in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, for over a month, BBC quoted the police as saying.

Authorities moved to arrest both of them, and a court sent them to jail for 14 days. Seema's children remained in her care.

The couple expressed their desire to marry and live together, while police continued to investigate the matter in detail.

This cross-border romance between India and Pakistan ignited discussions about how virtual platforms can transcend geographical boundaries to foster real-life connections.