Pahalgam attack fallout: Pakistani national with Goan wife faces trial in Lahore court; 25-year India stay under scrutiny

Hussain Ahmed, a Pakistani national arrested upon entering Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, is currently undergoing trial in Lahore, as per a report by ANI. Ahmed had been living with his wife, a Goa resident, for the past 25 years since their marriage. He was ordered by the Indian government in April to return to Pakistan following the attack.

Ahmed entered Pakistan on April 29 through the Wagah Border and was questioned by the Pakistan Rangers about his identity. Although he claimed to be a Pakistani citizen, he could not present valid identity documents, and his Pakistani passport had expired. He was detained and subsequently arrested under the Foreigners Act. A judicial magistrate in Lahore rejected his bail application in August.

Court proceedings revealed that Ahmed has no blood relatives to verify his identity or nationality and could not produce valid proof of residence in Pakistan. The Pakistan High Commission issued his passport in the UAE, with the latest issuance in July 2000. The prosecution alleged that Ahmed was residing illegally in Pakistan and is not entitled to bail.

Subsequent bail applications before the sessions court in September and the Lahore High Court on September 30 were also rejected. The High Court directed the trial court to conclude the trial within two months.

The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 resulted in 26 deaths. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror bases in Pakistan linked to the attack. Following significant damage, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart, and both agreed to cease all firing and military action from 5 pm IST on May 10, 2025, according to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

(With inputs from ANI)