Sania, Shoaib to endorse welfare plan

Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza are to be declared as brand ambassadors of Pakistan’s population welfare ministry, it was announced here on Wednesday.

The country’s population welfare minister, Ms Firdous Ashiq Awan, made the announcement while speaking to reporters before leaving for India on a five-day official visit, during which she will also attend the newly-married couple’s wedding reception.

Ms Awan expressed the hope that the pair would play their role in controlling the high birth rate in both India and Pakistan.

Responding to a question, the minister said the marriage of Shoaib and Sania would help to revive the stalled sub-continental peace talks.

She said a “historical reception” would be accorded to Shoaib and Sania on their arrival in Pakistan.