Tue Jun 24 17:18:16 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is likely to appeal a High Court order directing the repatriation of a 63-year-old woman, Rakshanda Rashid, who was deported to Pakistan following a crackdown on Pakistani nationals after the Pahalgam terror attack. Despite having lived in India for 38 years and holding a long-term visa with a pending citizenship application, Ms. Rashid was deported due to a government order canceling visas of Pakistani citizens. The High Court, citing human rights, ordered the MHA to bring her back, but the government is expected to challenge the order in a higher court.

**News Article:**

**India to Challenge High Court Order to Repatriate Deported Woman**

**NEW DELHI -** The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is reportedly preparing to appeal an order from the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, instructing the government to bring back a 63-year-old woman who was deported to Pakistan in April, sources say.

Rakshanda Rashid, a housewife, had been residing in Jammu for 38 years with her family. She was deported amidst a crackdown on Pakistani nationals following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. The order mandating Pakistani citizens to leave exempted those with long-term visas (LTVs) or Pakistani women married to Indian citizens. Rashid held a LTV and had applied for Indian Citizenship in 1996, but her application was never processed.

The High Court, in a landmark decision on June 6, ordered the MHA to “retrieve” Rashid from Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of human rights. However, the MHA is expected to challenge this ruling in a higher court.

Ankur Sharma, Rashid’s legal counsel, confirmed that he is prepared to file a caveat to ensure they are notified of any hearings related to the appeal. Rashid is currently in Lahore, reportedly with limited resources. The case has raised questions about the implementation of deportation orders and the protection of human rights, particularly for individuals with long-term ties to India.

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