Karnataka High Court Steps in for Pakistani National's Citizenship Bid

The Karnataka High Court has instructed Indian authorities to expedite the citizenship application process for Pakistani national Nighat Yasmeen. Married to an Indian, Yasmeen's earlier applications stalled due to Indo-Pak tension-related policy changes. The court directed her to file a single application for prompt processing.

The Karnataka High Court has issued an order urging the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office to prioritize and expedite a fresh citizenship application from Nighat Yasmeen, a Pakistani national.

Married to Indian citizen Mohammed Younus and the mother of two Indian citizens, Yasmeen sought the court's intervention after her previous citizenship requests languished amidst policy changes stemming from India-Pakistan tensions.

The court has allowed Yasmeen to withdraw her multiple pending applications and submit a consolidated one, stressing the importance of respecting her familial ties and ensuring the application is processed swiftly and within legal frameworks.

(With inputs from agencies.)