LAHORE: Pakistan authorities were unable to deport Indian national Sarbjit Kaur due to the temporary closure of the Wagah-Attari border, officials confirmed.
Sarbjit Kaur had arrived in Pakistan on a pilgrimage visa on November 4. She was part of a group of Sikh pilgrims attending the 555th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev at Nankana Sahib. Her visa was valid until November 13.
While most of the 1,992 Sikh pilgrims returned to India after the event, Sarbjit Kaur remained in Pakistan, which prompted legal action by authorities. On November 5, she reportedly converted to Islam, married Pakistani national Nasir Hussain, and adopted the name Noor Hussain.
Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, stated earlier that Sarbjit Kaur would be sent back to India once all legal procedures were completed. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arranged her transport to the Wagah border for deportation.
However, the deportation process could not be completed as the Wagah-Attari border was closed. Officials from the Punjab Rangers confirmed that the border closure prevented her return to India.
Authorities emphasized that all legal requirements for the deportation had been followed. They also noted that the situation remains under review until the border reopens.
Legal experts said that the case of Sarbjit Kaur is complex due to her conversion and marriage. While Pakistani law allows deportation of foreign nationals after completing procedures, cases involving religious conversion and marriage often require additional legal scrutiny.
The closure of the border has delayed her return and created public attention in both Pakistan and India. Officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that legal and diplomatic protocols are maintained.
Meanwhile, discussions continue between Pakistani authorities and relevant agencies to resolve the matter as soon as possible. The case highlights the challenges of deporting foreign nationals in sensitive legal and social circumstances.
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As of now, Sarbjit Kaur remains in Pakistan, and authorities are awaiting the reopening of the Wagah-Attari border to complete the deportation process.
