Karnataka High Court
Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru: Three Pakistani children have approached the Karnataka high court, seeking extension of their visa period on humanitarian grounds. Represented by their Indian mother Ramsha Jahan, three children; Bibi Yamina (8 years), Master Muhammad Mudassir (4 years) and Master Muhammed Yousuf (3 years), claimed that they were in India to attend their maternal aunt’s marriage, scheduled on May 12, 2025. Vacation judge Justice MG Uma has ordered notice to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the state government and the Commissioner of Police, Mysuru city, who is also the jurisdictional Foreigners Registration Officer. The authorities have been directed to submit a statement of objections on the next date of hearing.
In 2015, Ramsha Jahan, who continues to be an Indian citizen, married Pakistani national Muhammad Farooq, who hails from Zuetta in Balochistan. The mother along with the children had entered India on January 4, 2025 with a valid visa. Their visa was extended from February 17, 2025 till June 18, 2025. In the meantime, the union government had directed all Pakistanis to leave India by April 30, 2025 following the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
The petitioner children along with their mother had reached the Attari border on April 28, 2025. However, they could not cross the border as there was none to receive them as Pakistan had closed its borders to its own citizens. The petitioners claimed the immigration authorities had sent them back to Mysuru. On April 29, 2025, they submitted a representation to the Commissioner of Police, Mysuru city to extend their visa period on humanitarian grounds. They moved the high court since their representation was not considered and they were asked to immediately leave on the threat of coercive measures.
It was further submitted that neither the petitioners nor their mother is having any intention to stay illegally in India. It was also stated that there is nobody to look after the minor children as their father is a government employee in Pakistan. The petitioners have also undertaken to leave India after the wedding ceremony.