Lahore High Court Hearing on Indian Pilgrim's Visa Violation Case

Petition Admitted for Regular Hearing, Reports Sought Within Two Weeks

Nazrana Times   Lahore 
Report Ali Imran Chattha 
5 December 2025 
 

In a significant development today at the Lahore High Court (LHC), a constitutional petition filed regarding an alleged visa violation and overstaying by an Indian Sikh pilgrim in Pakistan has been admitted for regular hearing. The petition was lodged by Mahinder Pal Singh, a prominent Pakistani Sikh politician and former Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) of Punjab. Singh, who served from August 2018 to January 2023 on a reserved minority seat representing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), also held the position of Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs in the Punjab government. Hailing from Nankana Sahib but residing in Multan, he is recognized as the first Sikh MPA from Multan and a key advocate for minority rights in South Punjab, where he has been actively involved in community leadership and business as a prominent figure in the local Sikh community.

The case centers on Indian national Sarabjeet Kaur (also spelled Sarbajit Kaur), a 48-year-old Sikh woman from India, who entered Pakistan on November 4, 2024, via the Wagah border as part of a delegation of approximately 2,000 Sikh pilgrims attending the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib. Kaur was granted a single-entry pilgrimage visa valid until November 13, 2024. However, she reportedly went missing from the group on the day of arrival, skipped the religious gatherings, and secretly married a local Muslim resident, Nasir Hussain from Sheikhupura district (about 50 km from Lahore), the very next day, November 5. The marriage involved her conversion to Islam, with a dowry of Rs. 10,000 reportedly paid as per agreement.

The petition, argued jointly by Advocates Nawaz Sheikh and Ali Changezi Sandhu on behalf of Singh, contends that Kaur's actions constitute a grave violation of visa regulations, amounting to illegal overstaying and unauthorized residence in Pakistan. It further raises serious national security concerns, alleging that despite Kaur's alleged criminal record in India, she received clearance from Indian authorities to travel. The plea describes her disappearance and subsequent marriage as suspicious, suggesting possible espionage motives and labeling her a potential "spy" sent by India. Singh has urged the court to order her immediate arrest by law enforcement agencies and deportation to India, emphasizing that such breaches threaten Pakistan's sovereignty and immigration integrity.

Justice Farooq Haider of the LHC, presiding over the hearing, admitted the petition for regular hearing and issued notices to all relevant parties, including the Ministry of Interior, immigration authorities, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and other federal institutions. In a detailed order, the court directed:

“Justice Farooq Haider has admitted the petition for regular hearing, issued notices to all relevant parties, and instructed them to submit their detailed reports within two weeks.”

During today's proceedings, representatives from the Nankana Sahib Sangat, including Sardar Ravinder Singh and Manmeet Singh, were also present in court, underscoring the community's interest in the matter. The petition highlights the need for swift legal action to prevent similar visa abuses, particularly amid heightened cross-border sensitivities.

Further hearings will be scheduled on the next adjourned date set by the court, with all parties required to comply with the reporting deadline to advance the case. This development comes amid ongoing discussions on pilgrimage protocols between India and Pakistan, where thousands of Sikh devotees visit annually, but strict visa enforcement remains a priority for security reasons. The case has drawn attention from minority rights advocates, with Singh's involvement amplifying calls for transparency in handling such interfaith and international incidents.