Visa Loopholes Exposed: 22 Pakistani Women in Moradabad Spark National Security Debate

Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th May: In the aftermath of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 dead, Bharat has found itself once again tightening the grip on its border policies—this time turning inward. The nation is witnessing a sweeping crackdown on Pakistani nationals residing within its borders, igniting debates that cut across security concerns, humanitarian obligations, and the structural integrity of Bharat’s immigration policy.

The spark that lit this fire came from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh. Here, a startling revelation has rattled local and national authorities alike: 22 Pakistani women, all living on long-term visas after marrying Bharatiya men decades ago, have built sprawling families totaling over 500 members. These women, while not Bharatiya citizens, possess ration cards and Aadhaar IDs, granting them access to welfare schemes originally intended for citizens. Though their presence has been long-standing, the timing of this discovery—just days after a major terrorist incident—has cast a different light on what once might have seemed like benign cross-border familial integration.

The Rise of Mixed-Status Families

Over the years, these 22 women gave birth to 95 children, many of whom are now adults with children of their own. Approximately 35% of these women are now grandmothers, and while they remain Pakistani citizens, their children—born in Bharat—have acquired Bharatiya nationality, creating a complex web of mixed-status families.

This dynamic raises significant administrative and ethical questions. Children born in Bharat are citizens by birth under the Citizenship Act, but their mothers remain foreign nationals, some of whom are still awaiting naturalization even after decades. How should Bharat navigate the legality of such families? Where should the line be drawn between humanitarian consideration and national security?

Visa Lapses, Policy Gaps

Moradabad authorities, working closely with intelligence agencies, are now digging deeper. Superintendent of Police (City) Kumar Ranvijay Singh confirmed that a full-fledged probe is underway, scrutinizing the visa statuses, government documentation, and background histories of these families. Particularly troubling to authorities is the revelation that two of these women entered Bharat as recently as four years ago—long after Indo-Pak relations had begun to sour and security vetting had supposedly tightened.

Bharat’s vetting mechanism for long-term visas (LTVs), especially for individuals from nations like Pakistan, is now under the scanner. The current system allows for LTVs on the grounds of marriage or family reunification, but this case exposes serious cracks in how such applications are screened and how long-term residents are monitored once inside the country.

Security vs. Humanitarianism

This situation is emblematic of a larger dilemma Bharat faces: how to balance humanitarian obligations with hard-nosed national security. Marriages across the border, particularly in Punjab, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, are not rare. But the evolving security scenario in the subcontinent means that what once was a family matter is now seen through a more suspicious lens.

These women have filed for Bharatiya citizenship, yet the process remains stalled—a limbo that has lasted decades in some cases. While humanitarian instincts suggest regularizing their status, recent events make such leniency politically toxic. Critics argue that in times of increasing terror threats and a hostile neighbor, soft visa and citizenship policies pose real risks.

Political and Diplomatic Reverberations

The crackdown is not occurring in isolation. It is part of a broader suite of actions Bharat has taken in response to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. These include freezing the Indus Water Treaty, cancelling visas of Pakistani nationals, and shutting the Attari-Wagah border.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent statement further underlined the mood within the administration. Hinting at retribution, he affirmed that Bharat will offer a “befitting reply” to anyone threatening its sovereignty. It’s a sentiment that resonates widely among a grieving and angry public. But it’s also this sentiment that places Pakistani nationals—even those who’ve lived peacefully in Bharat for decades—under a cloud of suspicion.

A Symptom of a Larger Malaise

The Moradabad case is not merely an immigration or documentation issue—it is a symptom of a larger malaise. Bharat’s inconsistent and porous immigration oversight, coupled with bureaucratic inertia in granting or denying citizenship, has created a gray zone that is ripe for both abuse and misunderstanding.

On the one hand, the humane treatment of cross-border spouses and families should be a mark of a mature democracy. On the other, national security cannot be undermined by emotional narratives. The state must find a balanced approach, one that offers compassion where it’s due but remains firm and vigilant in the face of potential threats.

The situation also calls for greater transparency in the processing of LTVs and a robust system of monitoring their holders. If Bharat is to maintain both its democratic ethos and secure its national interests, it must overhaul its visa and citizenship policies with urgency and clarity.

What Lies Ahead

The case of the 22 Pakistani women in Moradabad is no longer just a local issue—it has become a national flashpoint. As Bharat continues to navigate a complex geopolitical environment, it must decide how to reconcile its humanitarian instincts with security imperatives.

This episode has exposed significant weaknesses in the current system, and the government’s ongoing investigation is likely just the beginning. Whether this leads to mass deportations, fast-tracked citizenship, or a revamp of visa laws, one thing is clear: the debate over who belongs in Bharat is far from over, and it will only grow louder in the days ahead.