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Will Seema Haider have to leave India post visa ban on Pakistani nationals amid security concerns

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Seema Haider became a popular name in 2023, not for politics or fame, but for a love story that crossed borders. A mother of four from Pakistan, Seema, made headlines when she entered India illegally via Nepal to be with Sachin Meena, an Indian man she met online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their virtual romance turned into real-life love and led to their marriage and the birth of their daughter, Bharti, in 2024.

Her journey from Pakistan to India led to discussions about immigration, security, and love without boundaries. Since then, Seema has been under intense scrutiny due to her illegal entry into the nation’s boundaries. The couple has faced legal challenges, including investigations and court hearings, and Seema spent time in jail before being granted bail. Now, Seema is once again in the limelight following the recent terror attack in Pahalgham.

The Indian government recently suspended all visas for Pakistani citizens in response to the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, which claimed the lives of 26 people. Among the ripple effects of this decision is renewed scrutiny of Seema Haider’s case, as image she had entered India illegally in 2023.

Despite a growing backlash, Seema's legal counsel insists she should not be affected by the new visa ban. Advocate AP Singh told PTI, "Seema is no longer a Pakistani national. She married Sachin Meena, a resident of Greater Noida, and recently gave birth to their daughter, Bharti Meena. Her citizenship is now connected with her Indian husband, and therefore the Centre's directive should not apply to her."


Singh further argued that the government’s suspension applies strictly to Pakistani nationals, while Seema’s current status is that of a naturalised Indian resident through marriage. "Seema is in India, and she is Indian. A woman's nationality is determined by her husband's nationality after marriage," he said.

Her case remains under investigation by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), but she is currently out on bail and complying with the court's restrictions. "I have also filed a petition on her behalf with the President of India. She is out on bail and has been fully complying with the conditions set by the Jewar court, which include not leaving her in-laws' residence in Rabupura, Greater Noida," Singh added.

Quoting international legal principles, Singh pointed out, "The International Court of Justice and the Guardianship Act clearly state that a mother is the best guardian for a child. Would you want to send a daughter born in India to Pakistan?"
He also talked about her integration into Indian society, saying that official records recognize her new life. "The birth certificate issued by the Uttar Pradesh government named Seema Meena as the mother and Sachin Meena as the father of the child. This reinforces her integration into Indian society," he stated.
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