In response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, India has implemented several strong measures against Pakistan. These include downgrading diplomatic relations, expelling Pakistani military attaches, suspending the Indus Water Treaty, and closing the Attari border. The Indian government has also halted the SAARC visa exemption scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, giving a 48-hour deadline for those in India to leave. But what does this mean for Seema Haider, a Pakistani national currently residing in India?
Seema Haider, a 32-year-old woman from Jacobabad, Pakistan, gained significant attention in 2023 when she illegally entered India with her four children. She traveled from Karachi to India through Nepal, bypassing official immigration channels. Haider met Indian national Sachin Meena online in 2019 while playing an online game. By July 2023, their relationship had grown, and Seema was discovered living with Sachin in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Following the Indian government’s order to expel all Pakistani nationals under the SAARC visa exemption scheme, Seema Haider’s situation has come under scrutiny. According to a Delhi High Court advocate, Haider may legally be required to return to Pakistan like other Pakistani nationals. However, the advocate pointed out that her case could be more complicated due to her marriage to an Indian citizen and their child together. He emphasized that the final decision will likely depend on the Uttar Pradesh government’s stance, as it holds jurisdiction over Haider’s residence. The state authorities’ report will play a key role in determining her future.
Seema Haider’s case stands out due to its unique circumstances. Unlike other Pakistani nationals who entered India legally, she bypassed immigration controls by entering through Nepal. Furthermore, Haider has not been granted Indian citizenship, and her legal status remains unclear. Supporters argue that her marriage and children in India should provide sufficient grounds for her to stay, while others emphasize the need for strict enforcement of immigration laws. Her case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policies, family connections, and the complexities of cross-border movement.
In the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting held on Wednesday (April 23), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan unequivocally halts its support for cross-border terrorism. Additionally, India took the decision to immediately close the integrated Attari Check Post. Pakistan’s Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission were declared Persona Non Grata and instructed to leave India within a week.
As a precautionary measure, India also decided to withdraw its Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, rendering these positions annulled. Along with the advisors, five support staff members from both High Commissions will be recalled. India’s overall diplomatic presence will be reduced to 30 personnel, down from the current 55, with this change to take effect by May 1, 2025. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made these announcements during a press briefing following the CCS meeting.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also declared that all valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals would be canceled as of April 27 (Sunday), with medical visas remaining valid only until April 29 (Tuesday). Pakistani nationals currently residing in India must leave the country before their visas expire.
Currently, Seema Haider resides with her husband, Sachin, in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
