Pakistani woman gets Indian citizenship after 35 years

Zubeda married an Indian citizen 35 years ago. Since 1994, she had been staying in the country on a long-term visa. She was granted citizenship early this week.

Thirty-five years after she applied for Indian citizenship, a Pakistani woman, married to a man in Muzaffarnagar city and residing in the country on a long-term visa, has been granted Indian nationality.

55-year-old Zubeda, can now apply for Aadhaar, ration card and Voter Id card. (HT File photo)

According to a local intelligence official, 55-year-old Zubeda had married Syed Mohammad Zaved, a resident of Yogenderpur locality here, 35 years ago. She had applied for Indian citizenship immediately after her marriage; however, it was not accepted on some legal grounds. Since 1994, she had been staying in the country on a long-term visa, and granted Indian citizenship early this week, the official said.

She can now apply for Aadhaar, ration card and voter ID.

The woman has two daughters 30-year-old Rumesha and Zumesha, 26, and both are married.

According to official data, about 25 Pakistani women married to Indian nationals are living in Muzaffarnagar district on long-term visa.