Hamna Zafar: A Pakistani girl who secretly joined US Air Force to escape cousin marriage

At only 19, Hamna Zafar, a Pakistani American, found herself engaged to her cousin in a forced marriage arranged by her parents, leaving her future uncertain.

Hamna, determined to carve her own path, visited Pakistan with her parents in 2019, unaware of their plan to engage her.

Born into an immigrant family residing in Maryland, Hamna had always been an obedient daughter. However, the clash between her parents' traditions and her own ambitions led her to take a significant step towards building a life on her own terms.

Faced with insurmountable obstacles in the path of her ambitions, Hamna mustered up the courage and hatched a daring escape plan.

A navy recruiter and the family of a college friend came to Hamna's rescue. The family helped her complete her associate's degree, providing her with crucial support.

Once a dutiful daughter with a strong academic record, Zafar, now a dedicated Air Force Security Defender safeguarding the base, reveals she focused on staying close to home, caring for her sister with autism, and pursuing a career after college.

Zafar recalls that while her parents encouraged her education, they held the unwavering expectation that she would eventually marry and become a mother, with their choice of husband dictating her future.

Stepping into the unfamiliar and strict world of Air Force training, Zafar encountered a culture shock unlike anything she had known. Having grown up in a gentle environment, she struggled to adapt to the harsh realities of military life.

Hamna's graduation from basic training was a moment of immense pride, when she longed for her family to witness her accomplishment. Despite repeated attempts to reach them, her efforts have been met with silence.