In the wake of the lethal terrorist attack on Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir which killed at least 26 tourists, the Indian government has unveiled a series of diplomatic and policy-level reactions targeted at Pakistan. These actions now place doubt on the future status of Pakistani nationals already settled in India, such as Seema Haider whose border-crossing love tale had earlier gone viral.
India’s Tough Diplomatic Response
Following the attack, India took several robust steps against Pakistan. These include closing the Attari border, kicking out Pakistani diplomats, and putting on hold the historic Indus Waters Treaty, which has regulated water-sharing between the two nations since 1960.
Additionally, India has canceled a visa-free travel scheme that earlier was open to Pakistani nationals. Pakistani nationals residing in India on invalid visas have been directed to depart within a period of 48 hours by the new measures.
Seema Haider’s Cross-Border Love Story
The policy change has renewed controversy surrounding Seema Haider, a 32-year-old Pakistani woman from Sindh who came to India illegally in 2023. She entered India with her four children through Nepal because she wanted to live with her Indian boyfriend, Sachin Meena, whom she met in 2019 while playing a mobile game.
Even after being married in Pakistan, Seema parted ways with her husband and joined Sachin in India. The couple was arrested on charges of illegal entry, but were later let off. They had asserted to have married one another and had said that they wanted to live together forever.
Possible Deportation in 48 Hours?
With the Indian government now compelling Pakistani nationals without proper documentation to leave the country within 48 hours, Seema Haider’s case has again received widespread attention. Her case is being watched closely as the new instructions are being implemented by authorities.
Although her case has not yet been directly dealt with by authorities, the general implications of the policy are that she may be requested to depart the country along with other Pakistani nationals who do not have valid visas.
As the situation unfolds, legal professionals and immigration authorities will likely examine her case in depth, particularly given her prior arrest and the high-profile nature of her stay in India.
