An Indian Sikh woman, who married a Pakistani Muslim during a visit, has been sent to a government shelter home in Lahore amid efforts by the government to deport her, while a case has been filed against her husband.

Sarabjeet Kaur came to Pakistan on November 4 with a group of Sikh pilgrims to participate in the 555th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev at Nankana Sahib.

Her visa was valid until November 13, but she did not return to India after its expiry and subsequently married Nasir Hussain, a resident of Nankana Sahib. She also embraced Islam and changed her name to Noor Fatima.

The woman was currently staying at a shelter home in Lahore, where she underwent a medical examination last week.

The authorities declared her healthy following the medical examination.

The efforts to deport Sarabjeet, or Noor Fatima, could not succeed on January 5 as the Ministry of Interior had not yet issued an exit permit or special authorisation for her transfer through the Wagah border.

Sarbjit Kaur’s lawyer, Advocate Ali Changizi Sandhu, stated that the Evacuee Trust Property Board had already paid the fine imposed on her.

Under certain legal provisions, special permission can allow transfer via the Wagah border.

However, as no authorisation was granted this time, she was sent to a shelter home instead.

Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora confirmed that both Sarabjeet Kaur and Nasir Hussain were taken into custody in Nankana Sahib’s village Pehri Wali.

A legal action will be taken against Nasir Hussain under Pakistani law, the sources added.