The planned deportation of a Punjab woman who married a Pakistani national during a religious pilgrimage has been unexpectedly halted, leading to significant scrutiny and raising questions about the integrity of the cross-border pilgrim system.
Deportation Stalled Amid Legal and Political Hurdles
Sarabjit Kaur, a 48-year-old woman from Kapurthala's Amani Pur village, is currently held in a Pakistani shelter home (Darul Aman) under police protection. Her return to India was stopped at the last minute following intervention by Pakistan's Home Ministry, which put a hold on her special travel permit. She was arrested on January 4 from Nankana Sahib, just as her deportation was set to proceed.
Kaur had travelled to Pakistan on November 4, 2025, as part of a 1,932-member Sikh jatha via the Attari border to participate in Guru Nanak's birth anniversary celebrations. While the rest of the group returned to India, she remained behind. She later converted to Islam, changed her name to Noor Hussain, and married a Pakistani man named Nasir Hussain.
Sikh Leader Intensifies Scrutiny Over Visa Misuse
Mahinder Pal Singh, a Sikh leader and former member of the Punjab Assembly in Pakistan, has become a central figure questioning the circumstances of Kaur's stay. He has voiced strong concerns about the apparent misuse of the pilgrim visa for purposes of marriage and settlement.
"There is huge resentment in the community," Singh told The Indian Express. "They're angry that the pilgrim system was misused." He emphasized that the local Sikh community in Pakistan is demanding a proper investigation, as this incident has cast doubt on the entire pilgrimage framework.
Singh revealed that a petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court, though a hearing date is still pending. "The case is now with the federal government. They gave 15 days' time to concerned government departments," he stated, adding that notices issued as far back as December 5 have gone unheeded.
Questions Raised Over Indian NOC and Legal Proceedings
The Sikh leader also raised pointed questions about the Indian authorities' role. He questioned why Sarabjit Kaur was issued a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to travel despite having pending criminal cases against her in India. "Why did India give her an NOC? India knew there were already FIRs against her. Why allow a woman with a criminal record to go to Pakistan?" he asked.
On the legal front, Ali Changezi Sandhu, the lawyer representing the case in the Lahore High Court, confirmed that the matter is still under legal proceedings. Sandhu added that efforts are ongoing to stay in constant touch with the court and relevant departments to complete all formalities and facilitate Kaur's return to India at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Mahinder Pal Singh noted that the local Sikh congregation (sangat) at Gurdwara Nankana Sahib supported his move to legally pursue the matter, appreciating that someone was taking a stand where the government appeared lax. This case continues to highlight the delicate socio-political and religious dynamics at play in India-Pakistan relations, particularly concerning minority communities and cross-border travel.
