Indian Woman Married to Pakistani Citizen Unable to Return Home Due to Travel Document Issues

Lahore:An Indian woman who married a Pakistani citizen of her own choice could not be sent back to India via the Wagah border due to technical issues in her travel documents, officials confirmed on Monday.

According to details, Sarabjit Kaur, an Indian national, was taken to the Wagah border for repatriation after completing required formalities. However, she could not be handed over to Indian authorities because of unresolved technical problems in her travel papers.

The 48-year-old Sarabjit Kaur arrived in Pakistan on November 4 along with Sikh pilgrims from India. She reportedly converted to Islam and married Sheikhupura resident Nasir Hussain by choice. Plans were made to send her back to India after the border parade, but the process was delayed due to documentation issues.

Authorities said there is now a possibility that Sarabjit Kaur may be sent to India via the Wagah border on January 6. Following the delay, she was shifted to a shelter home (Dar-ul-Aman). A final decision regarding her handover to Indian officials has not yet been made.

Her lawyer, Ahmad Hassan Pasha, stated that under the Foreigners Act 1946, Sarabjit Kaur is not currently authorized to stay in Pakistan, which is why arrangements are being made for her return to India. He added that she can later return to Pakistan on a spouse visa and apply for permanent residence.

Meanwhile, Advocate Ali Changezi Sandhu, who is pursuing the case in the High Court, said the matter is still under judicial review. During a hearing on December 5, Justice Farooq Haider sought reports from the Cabinet Division, Inspector General of Punjab, FIA, and other relevant institutions.