Ayesha's big problem

Family and friends of Shoaib's first wife want her to lose weight during the mandatory three-month wait under Islamic law before she can remarry

Family and friends of Shoaib's first wife want her to lose weight during the mandatory three-month wait under Islamic law before she can remarry

Now that she has finally been granted the divorce she wanted from Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, Ayesha Siddiqui's family understandably wants her to remarry three months from now.

The only stumbling block on the way appears to be Ayesha's obesity.

"I spoke to Ayesha on Tuesday, when the negotiations were on. We discussed her re-marriage," said Shiraj Sareen Khan, resident of United Women Front, who was in constant touch with Ayesha during the crisis.
u00a0
"The main concern is her obesity. We will discuss how her weight can be reduced when I meet her tomorrow (Thursday)."

Ayesha's mother Fareesa Siddiqui announced in a press conference yesterday that Shoaib Malik has divorced her daughter.

A diabetic Ayesha underwent treatment to lose weight. However, after the treatment she gained weight because of her faulty diet. She now weighs 110 kg.

"Apart from the weight, we are concentrating on improving her health. I hope Ayesha will start a new life after three months. I would like to see her married," said Khan.

Although, no proposals have come so far, Ayesha's family is reportedly confident of finding her a groom.

"We spoke to her about these issues when we were convincing her to arrive at a compromise," said Major Quadri, who headed the mediators.

"Our advice to her was not to take a vengeful stand against Shoaib. We asked her to free herself and start a new life. She kept factors like her father's heart ailment, elder sister's pregnancy and mother's agony in mind.
u00a0
She agreed to the compromise for these reasons. She will agree to marriage for the same reasons."

"Though it is too early to talk about the re-marriage, we are seriously thinking about it," said Zahid Qureshi, Ayesha's brother.
u00a0
"Let her free herself of the pressure that came with the media glare. After the phase passes, we will take the next step."

Why Ayesha has to wait 3 months

Islamic Law decrees a divorced woman has to observe Iddat, which is a period of three months, after which she can remarry. In this period she is entitled to nufqah (maintenance from her ex-husband). Although mediators, who struck the compromise between Shoaib and Ayesha, have said the amount of nufqah is Rs 15,000 in public, sources revealed that the deal was struck only when Shoaib agreed to pay up an, as yet unknown, amount that is believed to be not less than Rs 15 crore.