New Delhi: Hundreds of Pakistani nationals rushed back to their homeland to meet the ‘leave India’ deadline set by Narendra Modi government post the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent people.
Many of them had lived in India for a number of years, with some having spent around 50 years in this country.
As they crossed the Attari-Wagah border amid emotional scenes, some interesting stories emerged. One such case study is that of Rawalpindi boy Osama.
Osama claimed he was in India for the last 17 years and passed his class X and XII board exams here.
More shockingly, Osama possessed Indian official documents like Aadhaar, ration card, and even voted in elections here.
Condemning the “shameful” act in Pahalgam, Osama appealed the Indian government for some time from the Indian government.
“I have been staying here for the last 17 years. I appeal to the government to give us some time. I have cast my vote here, I have my ration card… I have completed my Class 10th and 12th here. I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree. I wanted to appear for job interviews after my examinations. What will I do there (Pakistan)? What is my future there?” Osama argued. Obviously, Indian authorities were not impressed.
#WATCH | Attari, Punjab: Osama, a Pakistani national returning to Pakistan via Attari Border, says, “…I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree. I wanted to appear for job interviews after my examinations. I have been staying here for the last 17 years. I appeal to the… pic.twitter.com/S8dTV92fhC
— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2025
According to law, non-Indians cannot vote in elections in India. So how did Osama cast his vote in this country?
ECI probing voting claim
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been placed in an awkward spot, and is probing Osama’s claim on an urgent basis.
ECI on Wednesday directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu & Kashmir to investigate and take action.
The District Election Officer, Baramulla, has already taken cognisance of Osama’s interview circulating on social media.
Osama apparently enrolled himself in the Electoral Roll of the 09-Uri Assembly Constituency without being an Indian citizen.
