The deadline of April 29 has passed. Most Pakistanis living in India have returned home. Within the first four days, 537 Pakistanis have already crossed back via the Attari border. This group includes 9 diplomats and officials from the Pakistani embassy in New Delhi. In addition, numerous Pakistanis have exited through airports. There are no direct flights between India and Pakistan, necessitating travel through other countries.
Similar to various states across India, Uttar Pradesh hosted 118 Pakistanis who had valid visas. Identifications were made, and all these Pakistanis have been sent back to Pakistan. However, the name of one Pakistani was not on the list - Seema Haider. Her entry into India was so dramatic that it captured headlines across newspapers and news channels for days. Originally entering as Seema Haider, she is now known as Seema Meena.
The question arises: when 118 Pakistanis who arrived in UP were selectively sent back, how did Seema remain? The answer is indeed fascinating. On 23rd April, India’s Foreign Secretary held a press conference, outlining five decisions taken by the Government of India following the Pahalgam attacks. One of these decisions was the cancellation of all 14 categories of visas issued to Pakistani nationals in India, mandating their departure.
The Foreign Secretary categorically stated that holders of these 14 categories who came to India from Pakistan must leave. Although the deadline for returning to Pakistan has expired, Seema Meena remains in her house in Greater Noida. And here’s why: the order didn’t apply to Seema Meena because she entered without a visa, crossing the border unlawfully. Isn’t that a remarkable fact?
Those Pakistanis who arrived with valid visas faced repercussions, while visa-less Seema has evaded this fate. Sometimes, unfortunate events can have positive outcomes. Because of her unlawful entry, Seema's case is now pending in a UP courtroom. Until a decision is reached, Seema remains. She has also filed an application for Indian citizenship, which is pending in the Presidential Office.
Seema filed this citizenship application well before the Pahalgam attacks. Until a decision is reached, she cannot be sent back to Pakistan. Amidst the post-Pahalgam expulsion developments, Seema released a video, pleading with the Chief Minister of UP and the Prime Minister not to send her back to Pakistan as she now considers herself a part of India. In May 2023, Seema entered India through Nepal.
She was accompanied by her four children. Through social media, Seema fell in love with Sachin Meena from Greater Noida. Changing her name from Seema Haider to Seema Meena, she embraced Hinduism and married according to Hindu customs. Initially arrested by Noida police and then ATS for her illegal entry, she was released on bail based on intelligence reports. Her story highlights a unique and unlikely journey of integration and love.
