Sana, a 23-year-old Indian citizen, is stuck in an emotional legal limbo after recently reuniting on Indian soil with her mother, a Pakistani citizen. She immigrated to Pakistan in 2020 after marrying Shahbaz Malik. Now, she remains stuck in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, with her two small children, nearly 400 kilometers from the Attari-Wagah border. Her story took a tragic turn when, upon reaching Delhi, Indian officials prevented her from crossing back into Pakistan. This left her family fractured and feelings bitter.
Two weeks ago, Sana flew to India to see her parents. She brought her one-year-old daughter and three-year-old son, both of whom were born Pakistani citizens, with her. As she awaited the hopeful reunion with joy on her mind, her trip soon devolved into a nightmare when she found out that, as an Indian citizen, she was unable to exit India.
A Family Divided
The separation from her husband, who is still in Pakistan, has Sana heartbroken. Shahbaz Malik expressed his anguish over the situation, stating that after enduring numerous hurdles to obtain a visa for Sana after six years, they could only enjoy a brief six-day stay together.
“What’s his fault, he’s been separated from his mother? What is my fault? My wife got a visa after six years and she had to leave after six days,” – Shahbaz Malik.
Sana’s children would typically be allowed to return to Pakistan, but their mother’s inability to cross the border complicates matters further. The emotional toll of what is happening has not escaped from either family. Sana’s family in India is furious, as is her husband and in-laws family back in Pakistan.
“After so many hurdles we were finally able to visit my parents, but we couldn’t even stay here peacefully for 45 days,” – Sana.
The separation has exacerbated the feelings of hopelessness and despair in both families. Sana’s husband remains hopeful that a peaceful solution will be found soon. He continues to hope to hear news of changes to the guidelines that would allow him to have his family back together.
“I’m still hoping God performs a miracle and she comes out. That’s why I’m waiting here, hoping some guidelines come out and they don’t let her go,” – Shahbaz Malik.
The Human Cost of Politics
Sana’s experience highlights the impact of escalating political tensions between India and Pakistan on human rights. Her plea for both governments to consider the human cost of their political decisions resonates deeply amid rising nationalistic sentiments.
“A law should be made that no-one from there should get married here and no-one from here should get married there. Because we are the ones who are impacted,” – Sana.
Her quote sums up the disappointment and despair many people in her position experienced. Too often, political decisions ignore the real world impact on everyday people. Most of us are trying to go about our daily lives happy enough taking care of our kids.
Sana faces both public and private bureaucratic barriers that bring to life the challenges faced by bi-national, cross-border marriages. These challenges are exacerbated in areas with strained political climates. Her experience is a harsh reality for many families divided by borders. Sometimes love and commitment leads us to open doors we never thought we would.
Emotional Toll on Families
While Sana gets through this profound loss, she can’t figure out how to deal with the mental toll of this stressful separation from her husband. The effects on her kids are especially devastating, as they’re too young to even grasp the concept of their parents’ separation.
“All I could think was that the kids shouldn’t be separated from me. I have small kids, they can’t live without me, and I can’t live without them,” – Sana.
The emotional toll is immense as she lays her husband to rest. In addition, she is saying goodbye to extended family members who have provided invaluable support to them during their brief time here. The excitement of going to see family was soon overtaken by heartbreak as they experienced the harsh realities of their situation.
Sana’s story exposes the vulnerability of family connections amid the harsh realities of geopolitical rivalries. Her family continues to remain optimistic that justice will be served. This scenario underscores the pressing need for more expansive conversations around cross-border relationships and the policies that shape them.
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