After Pahalgam terror attack, will Seema Haider be forced to leave India?

In the aftermath of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 tourists lost their lives, India has announced a series of significant policy changes aimed at tightening cross-border engagement with Pakistan. These include the suspension of the SAARC visa exemption for Pakistani nationals, closure of the Attari border, freezing of the Indus Waters Treaty talks, and the expulsion of Pakistani military officials.

Pakistani citizen turned Noida bahu? Seema Haider¡¯s future in India hangs in balance

Is Seema Haider Amid this diplomatic escalation, attention has once again turned to Seema Haider, the Pakistani woman who crossed into India through Nepal in 2023 and has been residing in Greater Noida with her partner, Sachin Meena.

Legal and diplomatic context post the Pahalgam terror attack

According to new directives, all Pakistani nationals currently in India under the SAARC visa scheme are required to exit the country within 48 hours. However, Seema Haider¡¯s case is more complex. She did not enter India with a valid visa and instead crossed over through unofficial routes. She was briefly detained last year for illegal entry but later released. Since then, she has been living with Sachin and their blended family.

Her legal status remains unresolved. While she has applied for Indian citizenship, the process remains in limbo. In the wake of current events, her case could now be reevaluated under a more stringent lens.

Legal viewpoints

Legal experts point out that while the directive is clearly aimed at those entering under formal arrangements like the SAARC visa, Seema¡¯s undocumented entry and subsequent presence in India fall under a separate set of immigration laws. Advocate Abu Bakar Sabbak noted that deportation in her case would be subject to a detailed review by Uttar Pradesh authorities and could depend on several factors, including humanitarian considerations and her personal circumstances, notably the fact that she has children with an Indian citizen.

If local authorities submit an adverse report, the Centre may consider enforcing deportation, particularly amid rising national security concerns.

Life in India and public sentiment

Seema Haider has maintained that she has embraced a new life in India. She converted to Hinduism, married Sachin, and recently gave birth to a child. On social media, she has shared glimpses of domestic life in Greater Noida, gaining both support and criticism.

The current political climate, however, has reignited debates around her presence. Some argue that her situation should be viewed through the lens of national security and immigration law, while others cite humanitarian grounds and her family ties in India.

What comes next for Seema Haider?

At present, there is no official order for Seema Haider¡¯s deportation. However, as government bodies tighten policies concerning Pakistani nationals, her legal status could come under further scrutiny. The decision, experts say, will ultimately rest on multiple legal and political considerations.

As of now, Seema Haider remains in Greater Noida, awaiting clarity on whether her life in India will continue, or come to an abrupt end.