Hamza Ali Abbasi, Naimal Khawar launch 'Marriage4Life' app

Finding a life partner in Pakistan can be challenging, as dating is often frowned upon and social stigma surrounds the idea of couples getting to know each other before marriage.

Traditional matchmaking systems, many of which favor men, can also feel restrictive and biased.

Actors Hamza Ali Abbasi and Naimal Khawar Khan are aiming to change that with the launch of their new app, Marriage4Life, described as a “safer, intention-driven platform for people serious about marriage.” The app is now available on Apple, Android, and web browsers, and has been developed with a team in Europe.

Abbasi shared in an Instagram video with his wife that the platform has ground offices in multiple locations, including the UK, Norway, Paris, Denmark, and Lahore, offering not only matchmaking services but also pre-marriage and post-marriage consultations.

Highlighting the problem of casual swipes and superficial connections in modern dating, Abbasi and Khawar said their app focuses on fostering meaningful relationships, connecting users with “real” people rather than just AI-driven interactions.

The app also features a variety of privacy and safety tools, such as account screening, liveness verification, AI chat monitoring, and photo blur options. Future plans include expanding across Pakistan and other Middle Eastern countries, with a strong emphasis on aligning the platform with Islamic values and family-centered principles.

One unique feature, the Wali function, allows conversations to be monitored by a legal guardian, and AI alerts notify users if inappropriate language is detected. Psychological and marriage counseling experts will also support the platform to help couples navigate the matchmaking process.

Abbasi and Khawar, who married in 2019 and recently celebrated their anniversary with their son, expressed excitement about the initiative and said more information will be shared in the coming days. Abbasi is known for his acting career as well as his Islamic teachings, including his “Conversing Islam” series and his 2024 book, My Discovery of God: Islam & Judgment Day.