An Indian woman from Kapurthala, Punjab, has reportedly converted to Islam and married a local Pakistani man after going missing during a religious pilgrimage in Pakistan. The woman, identified as Sarbjit Kaur, aged 52, has been the subject of concern since her disappearance, and Indian media outlet NDTV has obtained a copy of a Nikahnama (marriage certificate) suggesting her conversion and marriage.
According to reports, on November 4, a total of 1,992 Sikh pilgrims crossed the Wagah-Attari border into Pakistan to participate in celebrations marking the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The majority of the pilgrims returned to India on November 13, but Sarbjit Kaur did not return.
The Nikahnama, issued in Urdu, claims that Kaur adopted Islam, changed her name to “Noor,” and married a local man named Nasir Hussain from Sheikhupura, Pakistan. NDTV has noted that this document could not be independently verified.
Sarbjit Kaur’s former husband, Karanail Singh, has been residing in the United Kingdom for nearly 30 years. The couple has two sons.
Punjab police sources stated that there is no record of Kaur leaving Pakistan through official immigration channels. The Indian immigration authorities, upon realizing that she had not returned, alerted the police. Following this, the Punjab police sent an initial report to other investigative agencies in India. The Indian mission in Pakistan has reportedly been in contact with Pakistani authorities regarding the matter.
Every year, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) sends Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan to visit historic gurdwaras during Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary. Last month, the Indian government had initially suspended the pilgrimage due to security concerns but later granted approval for a 10-day visit.
The disappearance of Sarbjit Kaur has raised questions about the safety and security of Indian pilgrims visiting Pakistan, particularly older individuals traveling alone. Authorities in both countries are reportedly coordinating to verify her status and circumstances
