India's Sarabjeet Kaur faces court case in Pakistan after marrying local

A Lahore sessions court has sought a report from Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on a petition seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Indian national Sarabjit Kaur and Pakistani resident Nasir Hussain over alleged violations of immigration laws.

The plea, filed by advocate Ali Changezi Sandhu on behalf of former Pakistani Sikh legislator Mahinder Pal Singh, invokes Sections 22-A and 22-B of Pakistan’s Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and urges the court to direct authorities to initiate legal proceedings against the two. Singh had also earlier approached the Lahore High Court, alleging that Kaur could potentially be an “Indian spy.”

According to the petition, Kaur entered Pakistan on November 4, 2025, with a group of Sikh pilgrims to attend celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. Her pilgrimage visa reportedly expired on November 13, 2025, but she did not return to India with the rest of the group, thereby allegedly violating the conditions of her visa and provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946.

The petition further alleges that Kaur left Gurudwara Nankana Sahib on November 4–5 and went with Hussain, whom she later married. It claims Hussain acted as an accomplice by providing her with shelter, transportation, and other assistance, facilitating her continued stay in Pakistan in violation of immigration laws.

The petitioner has urged the court to order registration of an FIR against both Kaur and Hussain “to deal with their illegal acts in accordance with the laws of Pakistan” and to “restore the sanctity of the pilgrimage visa regime.”

Taking notice of the petition, Sessions Judge Shafqat Shahbaz Raha issued notices to the Director and Investigation Officer of the FIA’s Immigration Wing, directing them to submit a report on the allegations. The court has sought details regarding Kaur’s alleged illegal overstay since November 13, 2025, the purported violation of visa conditions under the Foreigners Act, and Hussain’s alleged role in aiding and abetting the offence.

The matter has been fixed for further hearing on January 30.

Kaur, 48, was among around 2,000 Sikh pilgrims who entered Pakistan through the Wagah border in November to participate in religious festivities. While most pilgrims returned to India after a few days, Kaur did not. According to Pakistani officials, Kaur married Hussain, a resident of Sheikhupura district, about 50 kilometres from Lahore, a day after her arrival.

According to PTI, the couple had earlier approached the Lahore High Court, which reportedly directed authorities not to harass them. However, they were later apprehended by Punjab Police, and Kaur was subsequently placed in a government-run shelter home in Lahore.

- Ends

Tune In