LAHORE: Pakistani rangers escorted an Indian woman, who had married a Pakistani man of her choice, to the Wagah border while preparations were made to send her back to India following the expiry of her visa, sources said on Monday.
The Sikh woman, identified as Sarbjit Kaur, visited Pakistan on November 4 last year to attend a 10-day festival commemorating the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh faith. His visa was valid until November 13; However, he did not return to India after his expiration.
During her stay in Pakistan, Kaur married Naseer Hussain, a resident of Sheikhupura, in what was described as a marriage of choice, and continued to live in the country. Kaur also embraced Islam and adopted the name Noor Fatima before marrying Nasir Hussain.
Sources said Geographic news The woman was taken to the Wagah border, where she will likely be handed over to Indian authorities after completing required procedures, including a formal parade.
They said Kaur and Hussain first came into contact through social media in 2016, after which their friendship developed over several years.
talking to Geographic newsLawyer Ahmed Hassan Pasha, Kaur’s lawyer, said his client was being sent back to India of her own free will.
The lawyer said Kaur could not legally stay in Pakistan currently under the Foreigners Act, 1946. He added that she would return to Pakistan on a spouse visa after completing the formalities in India.
According to the lawyer, he would apply for permanent residence in Pakistan upon his return.
After completing the duration of his visa and failing to return to India, arrangements were initiated to repatriate the Indian national across the Wagah border, Rangers sources added.
In early November last year, the woman appeared before a judicial magistrate in Sheikhupura and recorded her statement confirming her conversion and marriage. She told the local court that she married Hussain of her own free will and without any pressure.
In her statement, she said that she independently decided to convert to Islam and marry the Pakistani man and now wants to live with her husband.
According to the nikahnama (marriage certificate), the 48-year-old woman solemnized her marriage on November 5, with a dowry of Rs 10,000, which has already been paid.
