In the aftermath of the devastating terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of at least 26 tourists, the Indian government has swiftly rolled out a series of strong measures targeting Pakistan. The Centre’s actions have not only escalated diplomatic tensions but also reignited debates over the presence of Pakistani nationals in India — including Seema Haider, who garnered national attention last year for illegally crossing into India to be with her Indian partner.

Among the key decisions announced: the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960, closure of the Attari border for cross-border movement, and expulsion of Defence, Naval, and Air advisors from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. Further tightening its stand, India has also cancelled all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas issued to Pakistani nationals. Those in India under this scheme have been given a 48-hour deadline to leave.

These developments have created uncertainty around the legal status of several Pakistani nationals currently in India — most notably Seema Haider. The 32-year-old woman from Pakistan’s Sindh province entered India via Nepal in 2023 along with her four children. Her journey had sparked massive media coverage after it was revealed that she came to India to be with Sachin Meena, a young man from Greater Noida she met while playing an online game in 2019.

Despite being arrested for entering India without valid documents, Seema and Sachin claimed they were in love and had married. The couple was released and has since been living together in Uttar Pradesh.

Now, with the Indian government cracking down on all unauthorized and special visa entries from Pakistan, questions loom over Seema’s future in India. Her case doesn’t fall under the SVES category, but legal experts and media commentators are speculating whether she will face deportation under the broader push to reduce Pakistani presence in India amid rising hostilities.

While there has been no official word from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding her status, the fate of Seema Haider and others in similar circumstances may hinge on how the government chooses to interpret and enforce these new policy directives.