Lahore: The reason why an Indian woman who married a Pakistani national could not be sent back to India has now come to light.
Sarbjit Kaur, an Indian citizen who entered Pakistan disguised as a Sikh pilgrim to marry a Pakistani man of her choice, was taken to the Wagah Border for repatriation. However, she could not be sent back due to technical issues related to her travel documents.
The 48-year-old Sarbjit Kaur arrived in Pakistan on 4 November with a group of Sikh pilgrims from India. Shortly after her arrival, she separated from the group, reportedly converted to Islam, and married Naseer Hussain, a resident of Sheikhupura.
According to a private television channel, Sarbjit Kaur was scheduled to be handed over to Indian authorities after the border parade at Wagah. However, her return was delayed due to technical discrepancies in her travel documentation.
It is now expected that she may be repatriated via the Wagah Border on 6 January.
Following the delay, Sarbjit Kaur was moved to a shelter home (Dar-ul-Aman). No final decision has yet been made regarding her formal handover to Indian authorities.
Her lawyer, Ahmed Hassan Pasha, stated that under the Foreigners Act, 1946, Sarbjit Kaur was not legally authorised to remain in Pakistan at this time, which is why arrangements were made for her return to India.
He added that she may later re-enter Pakistan on a spouse visa, after which she would be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Meanwhile, Ali Changezi Sindhu, the lawyer representing Sarbjit Kaur in proceedings before the High Court, said the case remains under judicial consideration.
During a hearing on 5 December, Justice Farooq Haider directed the Cabinet Division, the Inspector General of Punjab Police, the FIA, and other relevant institutions to submit detailed reports.
