M A I N   N E W S

High-profile wedding under intelligence eyes
Dummy bookings made at hotels

Dubai, July 23
Indian intelligence agencies are reported to be keeping a close watch on the much-talked-about wedding here today of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim’s daughter with former Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad’s son.

It is not clear if Ibrahim, who is based in Pakistan and wanted by India in connection with the Mumbai blasts, is attending the wedding of his daughter Mahrukh with Junaid.

Interpol has already issued a red corner notice against the Mumbai don.

According to sources, Indian intelligence agencies were keeping a close watch at the venue of the wedding and reception at a five star hotel to know who all are attending from India, especially from Mumbai.

An expensive invitation card sent to the guests and published in a local daily here said: “Mr and Mrs Dawood Hassan Shaikh Ibrahim have extended the invitation for the wedding ceremony of their beloved daughter with Junaid Miandad s/o Mr and Mrs Javed Miandad Insha Allah on Saturday, 23rd July 2005.”

The card said: “Marriages are decided in Heaven and will be celebrated on Earth, Oh! Allah guide this couple to the best of happiness, understanding and success (Aameen).”

“Dummy bookings have been made at hotels so that people do not know the exact location,” a Dubai resident was quoted as saying by the daily.

Select people in the UAE, including those from the world of sport and entertainment, have been invited for the wedding but it was not known who all were coming from India, especially from Mumbai.

According to the paper, the arrival of “barat” (the bridegroom and his party) is scheduled for 9.30 pm and the dinner will be served at 10 pm. The guests have been requested not to bring gifts.

Miandad, who is already in Dubai, had earlier described Mahrukh as a “well-educated and well-mannered girl whom we are pleased to accept as our daughter-in-law.” He had said that he would organise a reception for the couple on August 4 in Karachi where all relatives, friends, well-wishers and high-profile figures will be invited.

The US Treasury has put Dawood Ibrahim on a global terrorist list, linking him to Al-Qaida, in 2003. — PTI