Adnan Sami granted Indian citizenship

Citizenship to be effective from January 1, 2016

Pakistani singer Adnan Sami on Thursday was granted Indian citizenship, effective from January 1, 2016, following his appeal to legalise his stay in India on humanitarian grounds, The Indian Express reported.

Last month, Pakistan refused to confirm renunciation of nationality by Adnan Sami over his alleged disrespectful behaviour towards his national identity.



Authorities refused to issue the “renunciation of citizenship certificate” to the famous singer in a move which can hurt his efforts to adopt the Indian nationality. The certificate is necessary for any Pakistani citizen who wants to adopt the citizenship of any other country.

“I don’t need the green passport anymore. I have found my home in India,” the official quoted a line from a letter, said to have been written by Sami, attached with his Pakistani passport posted to Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi. Officials said the Pakistani singer would now have to submit an unconditional apology for his behaviour and follow the correct procedure for getting the renunciation certificate.

The Lahore-born artist first arrived in India on March 13, 2001, on a visitor’s visa with the validity of one year, which was issued by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.



Sami was allowed to stay in India for an indefinite period following his appeal to authorities in New Delhi to legalise his stay on humanitarian grounds after his Pakistani passport expired. He was exempted from proceedings under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act.