Pakistani woman moves Delhi court seeking visa to live with husband in India

The Delhi High Court has directed the central government to respond to a petition filed by a Pakistani woman seeking permission to enter India and live with her Indian husband.

Justice Sachin Datta issued notices to the Centre and other authorities concerned after hearing a plea filed by Ruqaiya Obaeed and her husband, Delhi resident Ubada Abul Barakat Farooqi. The couple has challenged the government’s decision to cancel all visas following the Pahalgam attack.

According to the petition, Obaeed was instructed by Indian authorities to return to Pakistan, and she is now requesting a long-term visa to remain in India. The plea urged the government to issue her a fresh visit visa or another form of entry permission so she can continue living with her husband.

The court has directed the Centre to submit its reply to the petition by November 12.

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Representing the petitioner, senior advocate Sanjeev Sagar, assisted by advocate Nazia Parveen, told the court that the two families have shared long-standing ties and frequently visited each other’s countries.

The petition states that Obaeed entered India on April 5, 2025, through the Attari-Wagah Border to stay with her spouse.

However, on April 25, the Indian government revoked visas for Pakistani nationals following the attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The suspension of visa services for Pakistani citizens was announced immediately after the incident.