Bride Runsaway From Forced Marriage, Sues Her Family After Wedding Her True Love

A law student fled Britain to marry in secret – then got police to take out an order against her dad to stop him forcing her into an arranged marriage.

Thaleel Sheraz, 20, feared for her safety after defying her family by marrying Ali Ahmed, 24, in Pakistan. They tied the knot after she carried out a daring plan to escape the influence of her family.

Thaleel served her dad breakfast at home in London then broke into his safe to grab her Pakistan ID card before heading to Heathrow. She arrived in Islamabad at 3am and by 9am she and Ali, a mechanic, were married.

Their union came after she refused to marry another man chosen by her family and amid fear of violence from relatives.

Even after the wedding, Thaleel feared she and Ali would face ­retribution. So she became one of the first women to get a UK court injunction against her father, brother and an uncle, banning them from forcing her into marriage.

Her story emerged a week after the high-profile “honour” killing of Pakistan social media star Qandeel Baloch, 26 – strangled by her brother for posting revealing selfies.

Tearful Thaleel told the Sunday Mirror:

“I am so proud of myself for standing up to my father.

“I’ve always been terrified of him but I fell in love with Ali and took a risk. It was worth it for love. Nothing else matters and I want other women in my position to know that.

“All I’ve ever wanted is to be happy. I’ve lost my whole family but I don’t regret anything.