Parents opposing marriage, involving siblings and emotional pressure – need advice

Hi everyone,

I’m a 25M with a Pakistani background hoping to move forward with marriage with a 27F I’ve known for around 3 years. We want to formalise things properly rather than continue delaying.

My parents have been aware of her background from early on (including that she is divorced and that her parents are divorced). For almost two years this was not an issue.

Over the last several months, my mother in particular has withdrawn support due to cultural stigma around divorce and assumptions about her family not being “on the same level” as ours. These views are based on rumours rather than anything concrete.

I’ve tried to address concerns and meet conditions that have been set, but each time I do, new hurdles appear. I’m now being told to wait another 1–2 years or risk losing contact with my parents.

What makes this especially difficult is that I’ve also been told my younger siblings (both under 18) would not be allowed to maintain contact with me if I proceed without approval. This has placed significant emotional pressure on me, as I care deeply about my siblings and currently support my family financially.

I live independently in another city and am financially stable. At the same time, ongoing delays are hurting the woman involved and causing distress to her family after previously agreed timelines were postponed.

I feel stuck between intense pressure from both sides and would really appreciate advice from anyone who has navigated parental opposition, emotional pressure involving siblings, or similar cultural situations.