A Long Wait for Home: Pakistani Hindu Families in Pimpri-Chinchwad Await Citizenship
Over 290 Pakistani Hindu families in Pimpri-Chinchwad await Indian citizenship after fleeing persecution. Despite fulfilling legal formalities, delays, security concerns, and uncertainty persist. Yet, they remain hopeful for recognition, stability, and a rightful place in India.
Mrudula Narale
Pune, April 25, 2025: For over a decade, hundreds of Pakistani Hindu families have built their lives in the quiet neighborhoods of Pimpri-Chinchwad, carrying with them the hope of one day becoming Indian citizens. Having fled religious persecution in their homeland years ago, they have patiently waited, submitted documents, and followed every legal requirement—only to find themselves in a prolonged state of uncertainty.
A Seven-Year Wait Stretches Longer
Currently, the applications of 290 individuals in Pimpri-Chinchwad are under processing, a small fraction of the thousands who have migrated over the past thirty years. While many before them have successfully obtained citizenship, delays and bureaucratic hurdles have left others in limbo, unable to fully secure their future.
Security Concerns Add to the Struggle
The recent suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals following the Pahalgam terror attack has added another layer of anxiety. While the move does not directly affect those already in the citizenship pipeline, it has heightened fears among families with relatives still in Pakistan, now cut off from visiting. Medical visas, the only exception, will also expire soon, leaving little room for emergencies.
In Pune, heightened security measures have brought unease, with police increasing patrols and monitoring social media to prevent misinformation. For the migrant community, already accustomed to living cautiously, the atmosphere feels tense yet familiar.
Between Two Worlds, Belonging to Neither
Life for these families is a balancing act—they have left behind their past in Pakistan but are not yet fully recognized in India. Children attend local schools, speaking fluent Hindi and Marathi, yet their parents carry the weight of expired passports and pending applications. Some rely on temporary work, while others have opened small shops, striving for stability despite their uncertain status.
Local volunteers and activists assist with paperwork and legal guidance, but the process remains slow. Each application moves through layers of verification, leaving families to wait months, sometimes years, for a decision.
A Hope for Resolution
Despite the challenges, the community remains resilient. Many believe that their patience will eventually be rewarded, granting them the right to vote, own property, and travel freely—rights that come with citizenship. For now, they continue their daily lives, holding onto the belief that one day, India will officially call them its own.
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