Interior ministry yet to decide on Sarabjit Kaur's deportation to India despite medical clearance

Advocate Sandhu says once travel permit is issued, will be sent to India next week, rejects asylum claims as baseless

Indian national Sarabjit Kaur, also known as Noor Fatima, has undergone a medical examination at Darul Aman Lahore and has been declared to be in satisfactory health. However, no decision has yet been taken by the federal Ministry of Interior regarding her deportation to India through the Wagah border.

Progress has emerged in the petition filed before the Lahore High Court concerning Sarabjit Kaur’s deportation. According to official sources, the Ministry of Interior has so far not issued the special permission or exit permit required to send her to India on foot via the Wagah border. As a result, her transfer scheduled for January 5, 2026, did not take place.

The petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Ali Changezi Sandhu, said that under the law, deportation to India via the Wagah border is possible in certain circumstances through a special travel permit. Such permission is generally used as an alternative in cases involving visa extensions or related matters. However, he said no such permission has been issued in this case so far.

Due to the absence of a special travel permit, Sarabjit Kaur was shifted to Darul Aman Lahore. The counsel stated that the Punjab Home Department, at the request of the Evacuee Trust Property Board and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, transferred her to the shelter. He added that she will remain there under strict police security until the Ministry of Interior issues the required travel permission.

Advocate Sandhu said a special medical team examined Sarabjit Kaur at Darul Aman on January 9, 2026, and declared her health satisfactory. He expressed hope that once the travel permit is issued, she will be sent to India next week. He also rejected reports suggesting that Sarabjit Kaur had sought asylum, terming them baseless.

Officials said the matter remains subject to approval by the Ministry of Interior, adding that the transfer will be carried out through the Wagah border as soon as the required permission is granted.