Strained Relations Between India and Pakistan Leave Cross-Border Families Struggling

Strategic Insights -

As diplomatic tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following a recent terrorist attack, cross-border families are caught in the midst of the bitter relations. One such family, the Shahids, have been trying to reunite the woman they married in an online 'nikah' ceremony, Andleep Zahra, with her husband Mohammad Haider Abbas in India. Despite repeated attempts, Zahra's visa application has been delayed due to the strained diplomatic ties between the two nations. As the couple maintains their relationship through video calls, they hope for a resolution to this impasse.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Shahid family's decision to marry their son, Haider, to Zahra, a resident of Lahore, was made after fixing the marriage of their son with Zahra's elder sister, a professor in Lahore.
  • Despite applying for a visa, Haider was unable to obtain it due to strained diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan.
  • Zahra's mother, Rana Yasmin Zaidi, was admitted to the ICU of a Pakistan hospital following health concerns, leading to an online 'nikah' ceremony on October 18, last year.
  • Haider's father, Tahseen Shahid, express disappointment with the situation, saying "Bahu aaye ya na aaye par aman bana rehna chahiye" (Whether our daughter-in-law comes to India or not, but peace should prevail).
  • The family is maintaining their relationship through video calls, with Haider saying "Allah is benevolent. But, we cannot choose our own destiny. Nothing is in our control."

Statistics:

  • Zahra has applied for a visa twice in Islamabad, with the first application being rejected before the marriage.
  • The second application is still pending, with an ongoing enquiry.
  • The Shahid family's online 'nikah' ceremony took place on October 18, last year.
  • Rana Yasmin Zaidi, Zahra's mother, was admitted to the ICU of a Pakistan hospital following health concerns.
  • Haider is employed with an Indian e-commerce company.

Sources:

  • Tahseen Shahid (father of Haider)
  • Rashmi Drolia (TOI)