LHC directs interior ministry to decide fate of Indian woman seeking Pakistan's citizenship

High court gives ministry 30-days to determine Kiran Bala's case

LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) directed the interior ministry on Saturday to decide within 30 days the fate of Kiran Bala, alias Amna Bibi, who moved the high court for citizenship and visa extension.

Kiran had also sent an application to the foreign ministry. The high court, while extending Kiran's visa by 30-days, directed the interior ministry to decide whether she is eligible for the six-month extension as per her application.

Kiran accepted Islam and married a Muslim man in the country. According to the law, Kiran can now stay in Pakistan for a month, and if granted the six-month extension, she could be eligible for attaining citizenship. The Indo-Pak treaty indicates that citizens of either country can attain the others nationality after seven years.



Kiran would have to renew her visa every six months for seven years, and if there are no complaints of law or Constitutional violations, then she can become a Pakistani national. In her plea, she stated that she married the Pakistani national on her own accord and wants to live in the country.

Earlier, an Indian woman, Uzma, on her visit to Pakistan married a Pakistani young man but after a week took shelter in Indian embassy accusing the man of forcibly marrying her. She also requested to return back to her country which was granted by the court and she was sent back.

Institutions are also considering such events while ascertaining whether Kiran intends to stay in the country for good. Rumours circulating claim she has three kids in India, however, Kiran has denied such allegations.