Before the first family meeting
- Meet in a public place such as a restaurant, a family hall or a relative’s home. Never meet alone in a private place.
- Bring a parent, brother, sister or another trusted adult. Tell them the time and place.
- Check the profile first: ask for a video call and look for the Verified badge.
- Do not send money, bank details or ID card photos before the families have met.
- Keep phone numbers private until both families agree.
- If something feels wrong, leave and use the Report button on the profile.
Do a video call first
A short video call before any visit saves time and avoids risk. Ask the person to appear on camera, ask a few simple questions about work, city and family, and note whether the answers match the profile. Be careful if the person refuses a video call, keeps giving excuses, or only wants to talk through messages. Never share your screen, and never click links or install apps that the other person sends you during the call.
During the meeting
- Arrive on time and keep your phone charged, with your location shared with a family member if you can.
- Keep the first meeting short and in a place where other people are present.
- Ask about education, work, family and expectations. Our first meeting questions and family meeting checklist can help you prepare.
- Do not accept food or drink that was left unattended, and do not leave with someone you have just met.
- Do not hand over cash, jewellery, documents or ID card copies, even as a “gift” or “for verification”.
After the meeting
Take time to talk with your family before answering. Do not be pressured into a quick decision. Check what you heard with people who know the family, such as relatives, neighbours or colleagues. If you decide not to continue, a short and polite message is enough; see how to say no politely.
If you live abroad or the family lives in another city
Ask a trusted relative in the other person’s city to meet the family first, and confirm their address, work and family details through independent sources. Plan travel only after several video calls and after both families have spoken. Read our guide for overseas Pakistanis and never pay for visas, tickets or “marriage expenses” before the nikah is arranged and the family is verified.
Warning signs during a meeting
- The person arrives with different people than the family you were told about.
- The story about job, city or family changes from what the profile said.
- You are asked for money, a loan or a favour, or urged to keep the meeting secret from your family.
- You feel pressure to decide that day or to sign something.
If something goes wrong
Leave calmly, go to a safe place, and tell your family. Keep screenshots of messages and the profile. Then use the Report button on the profile or visit report a profile or misuse. For fraud or threats, you can also contact the local police or the FIA cybercrime wing in Pakistan. See also our scam warning signs.
پہلی خاندانی ملاقات سے پہلے
- کسی عوامی جگہ ملیں، جیسے ریسٹورنٹ، شادی ہال یا کسی رشتے دار کا گھر۔ کبھی کسی نجی جگہ اکیلے نہ ملیں۔
- والدین، بھائی، بہن یا کوئی قابلِ اعتماد بالغ ساتھ لے جائیں اور انہیں وقت اور جگہ بتا دیں۔
- پہلے پروفائل جانچیں: ویڈیو کال کریں اور ویریفائیڈ بیج دیکھیں۔
- ملاقات سے پہلے رقم، بینک کی تفصیل یا شناختی کارڈ کی تصویر نہ بھیجیں۔
- جب تک دونوں خاندان راضی نہ ہوں فون نمبر نجی رکھیں۔
- کچھ غلط لگے تو وہاں سے اٹھ جائیں اور پروفائل پر Report کا بٹن استعمال کریں۔