Online Rishta vs Traditional Rishta: Which Is Better?

By My Rishta Pakistan · Updated 2 November 2026

Families in Pakistan find a rishta through relatives, neighbours, matchmakers (often called rishta aunties), marriage bureaus and, more and more, websites and apps. None of these is perfect. This guide compares the traditional route with the online route, explains where each one is strong or weak, and shows how to combine them in a way that suits your family.

The traditional route: relatives, neighbours and rishta aunties

Strengths

• The families are often known to someone you trust, so background information comes naturally.
• Elders are involved from the first step, which many families value.
• Community and cultural expectations are usually shared.

Limits

• Your choice depends on who you know. Families with a small circle may see only a few proposals.
• Options are often limited to one city, one community or one social group.
• The process can be slow, and a polite refusal can feel awkward when everybody knows each other.
• Information can be second-hand or shaped by what the go-between wants to say.
• Some matchmakers charge fees, and a few make promises they cannot keep.

The online route: websites and apps

Strengths

• A much wider choice of profiles, including Pakistanis abroad.
• Filters for age, education, city and other details save time.
• You can read profiles privately and think about them at your own pace.
• It can help people who are new to a city, who work abroad, or whose circle is small.

Limits

• You must verify the details yourself. A profile is what a person writes about themselves, not proof.
• Fake profiles and money requests exist, so safety habits matter.
• Messages alone can create a false sense of closeness. Meeting with family is still necessary.

A comparison at a glance

Which is better?

Neither is better for everyone. A family with a wide, trusted network may be happy with the traditional route. A person who lives abroad, who has moved cities, or who wants more choice may find the online route more useful. In practice, the best results usually come from using both: search online to find options, and use family and relatives to verify and meet.

A simple combined approach

1. Tell your relatives that you are looking, and what you are looking for.
2. Create a clear, honest online profile and search for matching proposals.
3. Share promising profiles with your family and ask what they think.
4. Ask relatives to make quiet enquiries about the family, job and education.
5. Talk by call or video if the family is far away.
6. Meet with family present in a public place or a home.
7. Decide together, without pressure and without hurry.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Trusting a photo or a few messages without meeting the family.
• Paying anyone to arrange an introduction, a visa or a “guaranteed” match.
• Ignoring red flags such as changing stories, refusing video calls or asking for money.
• Sharing too much personal information too soon.
• Rushing a decision because of pressure from a third party.

Frequently asked questions

Is an online rishta safe?

It can be safe if you verify details, involve family and never send money. See our safety tips.

Is it free to use MyRishta.pk?

Yes. Registration and browsing are free.

Can I use both methods at once?

Yes, and many families do. Just be honest and polite with everyone involved.

MyRishta.pk lets you search free profiles and then involve your family at every step. Create a free profile, or read how it works on our How it works page. You can also compare this with a marriage bureau.