In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian government has revoked 14 visa categories previously granted to Pakistani nationals. This sweeping decision affects a range of visa types including business, visitor, pilgrim, and conference visas. The move reflects New Delhi’s firm stance on national security and diplomatic caution amid escalating cross-border tensions.

However, Long Term Visas (LTVs)—issued primarily to Pakistani women married to Indian citizens—remain unaffected. Officials clarified that these visa holders are not subject to the new restrictions, highlighting a distinction between familial ties and broader security risks.

34 Pakistani Women Residing in Jammu Hold Long Term Visas

According to news report of Daily Excelsior, 34 Pakistani women who got married are settled here and they fall in the category of Long Term Visa (LTV) which hasn’t been revoked. Some of the women have given birth to four children and they too have opted for Pakistani citizenship.

Among them is a case that has garnered special attention: Minal Khan, a Pakistani woman married to a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan stationed in Jammu and Kashmir.

Minal Khan, hailing from Kotli Fakir Chand in Sialkot, Pakistan, married Munir Ahmed, a CRPF constable from Handwal village in Jammu and Kashmir, in July 2024. Due to visa complications, Munir could not travel to Pakistan for the ceremony. Instead, their wedding was conducted virtually through video conferencing—an increasingly common practice in cross-border relationships with bureaucratic obstacles.

Munir is posted with the 72nd Battalion of CRPF in Shiv Khori Ransoo, Reasi district. Despite physical distance and legal hurdles, the couple proceeded with their union through online means, setting a modern precedent for cross-border marriages in conflict-sensitive regions, as reported by Dainik bhaskar.

Read also: Love Interrupted: Pakistani Women Deported from Jammu After Years with Indian Families

Pakistani Bride Arrives in Jammu on 15-Day Permit

After nearly nine months of marriage, Minal Khan arrived in India on March 1 via the Wagah border. She was granted a 15-day entry permit to visit her in-laws in Handwal village. Upon her arrival, Munir’s family warmly welcomed her and emphasized that all legal procedures were followed.

Family members stated that Minal’s visit was permitted only after obtaining clearances from all relevant agencies. “She entered India strictly following legal protocols,” a relative said, underlining the family’s commitment to compliance amid heightened scrutiny.

Visa Extension Application Pending with Ministry of Home Affairs

Minal Khan’s 15-day visa expired on March 14, but she has applied for an extension. Her request is currently under review by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Her situation highlights the complexities faced by couples in cross-border marriages, particularly when national security is a concern.

While her stay is short-term for now, her application for a Long Term Visa could allow her to remain in India and build a life with her husband. Her case is one of several being closely watched by authorities as they balance individual rights with national interests.

National Security vs. Cross-Border Family Ties

The Indian government’s decision to revoke 14 visa categories for Pakistani nationals underscores its focus on tightening border control following the Pahalgam attack. Yet, by sparing Long Term Visas granted to Pakistani women married to Indian citizens, the government has shown a nuanced approach—recognizing the legitimacy of such familial ties while addressing broader security risks.

These marriages often face legal and bureaucratic roadblocks, making each case a complex mix of diplomacy, human emotion, and legalities. Minal Khan’s story exemplifies how love and commitment persist even in the face of geopolitical tensions.

Legal Pathways Remain Open for Eligible Pakistani Women

While the government has limited other visa options, the pathway for Pakistani women married to Indian men remains open—provided they meet all legal requirements. Background checks, security clearances, and ministerial approvals continue to be mandatory steps in the visa extension process.

Officials have reiterated that these LTV cases are handled with utmost care and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The decision to allow these women to remain in India reflects the country’s respect for humanitarian concerns, even during strained diplomatic circumstances.

The revocation of multiple visa categories post-Pahalgam marks a major shift in India’s policy toward Pakistani nationals. However, the exemption granted to Long Term Visas indicates that the government still values personal and humanitarian considerations amidst a national security crisis.

Minal Khan’s case captures the heart of this complex issue—where love crosses borders, but legal protocols and national interests dictate the terms. As her visa extension awaits approval, she stands as a symbol of both hope and caution in a volatile diplomatic landscape.