Sania Mirza to be given grand welcome on arrival in Sialkot

Pakistan population welfare minister Dr Firdous Awan has said that Indian tennis star Sania Mirza will be crowned on her arrival in Sialkot.

Despite the interference of community leaders and controversies, Sania and Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik are expected to tie the nuptial knot today.

Dr. Awan said a grand welcome would be arranged on Sania and Shoaib’s arrival in Sialkot.

The Minister further hoped the marriage would melt the walls of hatred between the two countries and promote peace and brotherhood, The News reports.

The two sports personalities are expected to settle in Dubai after their marriage.

The 23-year-old tennis player is the first Indian to win a WTA tour event in 2005 and reached her highest world ranking of 27 two years ago although she has since slipped to 92.

Malik, 28, captained Pakistan between 2007 and 2009, and has been fighting a 12-month ban by the Pakistan Cricket Board for poor performance and indiscipline.