“I Was Never a Pakistani Citizen”: Salma Agha Explains Why She Lives in India

LAHORE: Renowned actress and singer Salma Agha has explained why she chose to live in India rather than Pakistan, clarifying that she was never a Pakistani citizen and holds a British passport.

Speaking on Jahanzeb Awan’s podcast, Salma Agha said, “It is a good question because I was never a Pakistani citizen. I was never a Pakistani citizen; we had moved to the UK and we all have British passports.”

She said her mother and grandmother were both originally from Amritsar, India, while her own association with Pakistan was primarily through her professional career.

“I only worked in Pakistan, and the time I spent there was very memorable for me,” she said, adding that she had many friends in the country.

Salma Agha praised Pakistani artists, technicians and television dramas, saying that Pakistani dramas are also widely watched and appreciated in India.

“Art has no borders,” she said, highlighting the cultural connection between artists and audiences on both sides of the border.

The actress clarified that she does not hold Indian citizenship either. She said she has an Indian card and a British passport, on the basis of which she is permitted to live in India.

Salma Agha also said that India had welcomed her with love and respect.

Reflecting on her time in Pakistan, she described it as an important and memorable chapter of her life and said the memories associated with her work there remain special to her.