Indian authorities have ordered a six-month pregnant Pakistani woman to leave the country within 24 hours, sparking outrage and drawing criticism from human rights advocates.
The woman, identified as Maria from Gujranwala, Pakistan, is married to Sonu Masih, a resident of Gurdaspur, India. The couple tied the knot last year after fulfilling all legal formalities.
The shocking deportation order reportedly came in the wake of heightened tensions following the Pahalgam incident. According to a report by British media, Indian officials, citing national security concerns, have directed Maria to return to Pakistan immediately — despite her advanced pregnancy and lawful marital status.
Humanity overlooked
Maria, now six months pregnant with the couple’s first child, has reportedly fallen ill due to the mental distress caused by the sudden expulsion notice. She has been taken to hospital for medical attention, while her family scrambles to seek legal recourse.
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“This is inhumane,” said a family member. “The marriage was registered legally. All documents were in place. Now she is being thrown out simply because she is from Pakistan.”
Maria and Sonu had begun preparations to welcome their first child in the coming months. But instead of celebrating, they are now fighting to keep their family together.
Court doors knocked
The couple’s legal team is preparing to challenge the deportation order in Indian courts. “This is not just a legal issue but a humanitarian one,” said a family lawyer. “We are seeking immediate relief to ensure Maria is not deported while she is pregnant and unwell.”
A day earlier, 16-year-old Ayan, who was paralysed after being shot in the spine during an incident in Karachi, returned to Pakistan after spending a month in India for medical treatment.
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Ayan traveled to India for spinal treatment, where doctors conducted various tests and assessments in a bid to help him recover. However, after a month of medical care, he was sent back to Pakistan, and his mother remained in India due to her Indian passport status.
Ayan’s father shared that they had been saving money for months to afford the treatment in India, hoping that it would offer a chance for recovery. Despite their hopes, Ayan was returned to Pakistan as the treatment in India could not provide a long-term solution.
Ayan, who had previously been living with the tragic consequences of the shooting, expressed his deep disappointment over the situation, stating that while he was sent back home, his mother had to stay behind in India for logistical reasons.
