A Father’s Struggle: Jammu Man Seeks to Bring His Deported Son Back from Pakistan

In a heart-wrenching tale of parental love and legal battles, Sajjad Ahmad from the Rajouri district of Jammu has been fighting tirelessly to reunite with his 19-year-old son, Aasim Sajjad, who was deported to Pakistan under distressing circumstances. For nearly a year, Aasim has been living away from home, grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that claimed the lives of 25 tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in April 2022. This incident, one of the deadliest terror attacks in the region, led to a crackdown on individuals from Pakistan residing in India, including Aasim, whose application for Indian citizenship was still under review at the time of his deportation.

Aasim’s life took a drastic turn when he was sent back to Pakistan, where he has been staying with an aunt in Gujranwala, Punjab. His father, Sajjad, describes the emotional turmoil his son has been experiencing since the deportation. “Every time I speak to him, he asks why I’m not doing anything to bring him back,” said Ahmad, voicing the despair he feels as a parent. The young man is reportedly suffering from anxiety and depression, withdrawing from social interactions and academic pursuits. “He would have taken his Class 12 exams this year if he were here,” lamented Ahmad, emphasizing the impact of this separation on Aasim’s future.

In a significant turn of events, the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh intervened on March 25, ordering that Aasim be brought back to India and granted citizenship within eight weeks. This judicial decision marks a crucial moment not only for Aasim and his family but also highlights the court’s role in addressing the complexities surrounding the citizenship status of individuals affected by political and social upheaval. Ahmad expressed relief upon hearing the news, stating that it gives him hope for his son’s return.

This case is not an isolated incident; it reflects a growing trend in Jammu and Kashmir where judicial interventions are challenging the deportation of Pakistani nationals who have been living in India for extended periods. Legal experts argue that these rulings may pave the way for more individuals facing similar predicaments to seek justice through the courts.

As the clock ticks down toward the implementation of the court’s order, Sajjad Ahmad remains hopeful yet anxious. The ongoing uncertainty regarding his son’s return highlights broader issues of citizenship and belonging in a region marked by conflict and division. For many families like Ahmad’s, the struggle is not just about reuniting with their loved ones but also about affirming their identity and rights within a complex and often perilous socio-political landscape.

Source: scroll.in