CRPF Jawan’s Wife Deported After Visa Expiry
Minal Khan, a Pakistani national and the wife of CRPF personnel Munir Khan, was sent back to her home country after overstaying her visa. She had arrived in Jammu in March following an online marriage with Munir. Despite living together briefly, her legal status came under scrutiny due to India’s revised visa policies.
A police team from the Gharota Police Station escorted her from Munir Khan’s residence for formal deportation. Munir, along with his family members, accompanied Minal to the Wagah border as she returned to Pakistan. Speaking to the media before her departure, Minal made an emotional appeal:
“Please do not separate married couples. We want to live with our families in India.”
Pakistan National Appeals for Humanitarian Consideration
Minal Khan also publicly condemned the recent attack in Pahalgam where 26 people were killed. She expressed sympathy for the victims and called for justice:
“We condemn the killings of innocent people. The culprits must be strictly punished.”
Her plea reflects the complex and often conflicting emotions of people caught between geopolitical tensions and personal relationships.
Read also: CRPF Jawan Marries Pakistani Woman Residing in Jammu, Faces Visa Expiry, MHA Review Underway
India’s Visa Policy Tightens for Pakistani Nationals
The Indian government had recently announced a sweeping revocation of visas issued to Pakistani citizens, excluding only a few special categories such as medical and diplomatic cases. These changes took effect on April 27, with the final date to exit the country set for April 29.
Minal was originally granted a 15-day visa to visit her husband in India. However, her stay exceeded the permitted period, even as the family had applied for an extension. Unfortunately, the request could not be processed in time due to the policy changes.
Munir Khan, her husband, is currently posted in the Shiv Khori area of Reasi district in Jammu.
Another Woman Deported After 40 Years in India
In a separate and even more heart-wrenching case, Sariya Kauser, a Pakistani-origin woman who had been living in Poonch since 1984, was also deported. Sariya had made India her home for over four decades and is a mother of three married children.
She was taken to Amritsar for deportation, which came as a complete shock to her and her family.
“She has no relatives or place to go back to in Pakistan,” said her relative, Tahir Hussain. “She also suffers from health issues, and her deportation has left the family in emotional turmoil.”
Sariya had been residing in Gohlad village of Mendhar Tehsil in Jammu’s Poonch district. Her family, rooted in India for decades, is now grappling with her sudden removal.
The Plight of Pakistani Women in Jammu
According to local reports, there are currently 34 Pakistani women married to Indian nationals and settled in Jammu. These women are living under the Long Term Visa (LTV) category, which remains unaffected for now.
While Minal and Sariya were not protected under the LTV status, the uncertainty surrounding such cases continues to grow. These women often face bureaucratic hurdles, limited mobility, and psychological stress, especially during times of political tension between India and Pakistan.
Legal Limbo for Cross-Border Marriages
The cases of Minal Khan and Sariya Kauser highlight the complex legal terrain navigated by women from Pakistan who marry Indian citizens. Many arrive on short-term visitor visas and apply for LTV status later. However, delays in approvals or sudden policy shifts can put their future in jeopardy.
Human rights advocates argue that while national security is paramount, compassionate exceptions should be considered in cases involving long-term residents or legal spouses.
Families Torn Apart by Policy Changes
Munir Khan and his family are now left devastated. Their attempt to build a life together has been abruptly interrupted by legal formalities that don’t always account for human emotions. Meanwhile, Sariya Kauser’s children, all Indian citizens, are heartbroken over their mother’s deportation and worry about her survival in a country she no longer knows.
As India tightens its stance on visa regulations for Pakistani nationals, the collateral damage of such policies becomes evident in the stories of families torn apart. While national interest and border security are vital, there is an urgent need to balance them with humanitarian concerns, especially in cases involving genuine marriages and long-term residents.
The deportation of Minal Khan and Sariya Kauser is not just about legal compliance; it is a human tragedy that calls for a more compassionate and case-by-case approach.
In the evolving narrative of India-Pakistan relations, it remains to be seen whether policies will evolve to accommodate the voices of those who seek unity through love, not politics.
