Why this man will marry twice in 24 hours

London: A man in Pakistan is to marry two women in less than 24 hours in an attempt to resolve a dilemma over wedding the woman to whom he had been engaged since childhood or to wed the woman he loves, it was reported here.

Azhar Haidri, a 23-year-old herbal medicine practitioner, had refused to marry 28-year-old Humaira Qasim, the woman selected by his family.

Instead, he wanted to marry Rumana Aslam, 21, the woman with whom he had fallen in love, Daily Mail reported.

His decision threatened to split his family since arranged marriages are often customary in Pakistan.

The law in Pakistan permits polygamy, but men who take multiple wives usually do so years apart and must get approval from their first wife prior to a second marriage.

"I gave this offer that I will marry both of them. Both the girls agreed," Haidri was quoted as saying.

He will now first marry Qasim in the Pakistani city of Multan and then a day later, he will marry Aslam.

Both the women say they think the compromise is a good one and they plan to live as sisters and friends.

"I am happy that we both love the same man," said Aslam.