ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has said the government was reviewing the request of Indian woman Sarabjit Kaur, who converted to Islam and married a Pakistani man, to stay in Pakistan on humanitarian grounds.
Efforts are underway to explore ways to allow her to stay in the country, despite her initial visa expiration, he said.
Sarabjit Kaur, now known as Noor Fatima, arrived in Pakistan on November 4 as part of a Sikh pilgrimage with her visa valid until November 13. However, she chose to stay, converting to Islam and marrying Nasser Hussain, a resident of Sheikhupura. Since then, she has continued to live in Pakistan despite her visa expiring.
Recently, Sarabjit Kaur and her husband were taken into custody from their home in Farooqabad. Initially, authorities planned to deport her back to India, but her return has been delayed. The delay occurred due to the non-issuance of an NOC by the Ministry of Interior. As of now, Sarabjit Kaur is residing in a women’s shelter in Lahore, where she awaits further developments.
Speaking to a foreign news outlet, Minister Chaudhry explained that Sarabjit Kaur feels strongly about her desire to remain in Pakistan after converting to Islam.
“She believes that life for Muslims in India is extremely difficult and she is requesting not to be sent back,” the Minister said. He said the government was considering her situation with compassion, particularly in light of the challenges faced by minorities in India.
“We are reviewing her case on humanitarian grounds, taking into account her new religious identity and the conditions for Muslims in India,” he added.
