After the ghastly terror strike in that claimed 26 lives largely tourists, two of them foreign nationals India has directed all Pakistani citizens to depart the country within a span of 48 hours. The attack has heightened diplomatic tensions, and the Indian government has taken extreme measures against Pakistan.
Seema Haider’s Case Resurfaces
Following a press conference held by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday, social media was overwhelmed with people asking if Seema Haider would also be recalled. “Will Seema Haider be recalled to Pakistan as well?” and “Should she be coming back to Pakistan now?” were just a few of the comments trending online soon after the announcement was made.
Seema Haider, 32, from Jacobabad in Pakistan’s Sindh province, had crossed into India illegally in May 2023. She had traveled from Pakistan with her children to join her lover, Sachin Meena, a Uttar Pradesh man she had met while playing PUBG online. She had abandoned her husband, Ghulam Haider, in Pakistan and moved to Greater Noida. Seema gave birth to a daughter with Sachin in 2024.
Social Media Reactions
The directive of the Ministry of External Affairs has again sparked public discussion regarding Seema’s stay in India. One commenter wrote, “Send Seema Haider back to Pakistan. Also investigate all security agencies which allowed her to come to Uttar Pradesh, crossing at least 3 national borders.” Another asked, “When the government has asked all Pakistani citizens to leave India, why has Seema Haider been allowed to stay?”
Other comments were, “Isme Seema Haider bhi jayegi ya usko special visa hai?” and “I hope this includes Seema Haider as well.” One user even mentioned the Prime Minister, stating, “Respected @narendramodi ji, humble request: please send Seema Haider back to Pakistan.”
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India has also taken major diplomatic steps. These include downgrading diplomatic relations, expelling Pakistani military attaches, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty which has been in effect for over 60 years and shutting down the Attari land transit point. Foreign Secretary Misri further announced that the staff strength at both the Pakistani and Indian high commissions will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 1.
