An Indian woman married to a Pakistani man has been escorted to the Wagah Border after her visa in Pakistan expired. Sarbjit Kaur who traveled to Pakistan in early November to join Sikh pilgrims for the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak stayed beyond her visa period which ended on November 13.
During her extended stay Kaur reportedly converted to Islam and married Pakistani resident Naseer Hussain in Sheikhupura. She adopted the name Noor Fatima following her conversion and continued to live with her husband in Pakistan.
Authorities say she was taken to Wagah on Monday by Pakistani Rangers and will be handed over to Indian officials after completing necessary border and immigration procedures. Her lawyer confirmed that she voluntarily returned and intends to apply for a spouse visa and legal residency once back in India.
The couple had reportedly connected through social media years ago forming a relationship well before her visit. Despite the marriage and conversion immigration authorities stressed that her stay in Pakistan was not legal without a valid visa necessitating her repatriation under the Foreigners Act.
The case highlights the complexities of cross border marriages between India and Pakistan where personal relationships can collide with strict immigration rules often drawing public and media attention.
