Jaisalmer: The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir not only heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan but also deeply affected human emotions. The enforcement of visa cancellations for Pakistani nationals by the central government has shattered the dreams of two Pakistani brides residing in Jaisalmer. Sachul and Karma Khatoon, who arrived at their marital homes 13 days ago, are forced to return to Pakistan.
In 2023, during a family reunion in Ghotki, Sindh province of Pakistan, young men Saleh Mohammed and Mushtaq Ali fell in love with 21-year-old Karma Khatoon and 22-year-old Sachul. With family approval, they married in August 2023. Despite their marriage, the brides couldn't obtain Indian visas, and the grooms returned to India. After 18 months of waiting, visas were finally issued in April 2025, and both brides arrived in Jaisalmer on April 11.
Source: aajtak
Following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Indian government revoked all visas for Pakistani citizens and ordered them to return home. This directive crushed the brides' newfound happiness. The mehndi on their hands hadn't even faded when they were ordered back to Pakistan.
Read More: Post-Pahalgam Attack Visa Revocations: Many Pakistanis Deported from UP
The brides are disheartened. Sachul and Karma Khatoon plead with the government not to send them back, for they wish to stay with their families and husbands. Karma Khatoon's father-in-law, Haji Abdullah, mentioned that they applied for Long Term Visas as soon as the brides arrived, but due to strict post-attack orders, the administration is pressuring them for the brides' return.
Source: aajtak
Upon hearing the news of the bride's return, Mushtaq Ali's health deteriorated, leading to his hospitalization in Jodhpur. Their families appeal to the Indian government for the opportunity to stay on humanitarian grounds, to prevent the disintegration of their family.
Karma Khatoon's situation is especially challenging. Her mother has passed away, and her father works in the Arab countries. Her father-in-law argues that sending her back to Pakistan would be meaningless as she lacks support there.
According to Indian government directives, Pakistani nationals on visas must return via the Attari border by April 27. As of now, according to Foreign Registration Officer Vikram Singh Bhati, four Pakistani nationals, including these two married women, have sought permission to return.
