India set to grant citizenship to Adnan Sami, report says
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Pakistani singer Adnan Sami, who has spent more than a decade living in Mumbai and working for Indian film industry, is set to get Indian citizenship, The Hindu reported on Saturday.
“The Shiv Sena may have forced ghazal singer Ghulam Ali to cancel his concert in Mumbai, but the government is set to give Indian citizenship to Sami,” the report said.
It said the decision was taken after Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi gave a favourable opinion to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
A senior official told The Hindu that Sami, who has been staying in India since 2001, will be given Indian citizenship under Section 6 of the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
The provision allows citizenship, through a certificate of “naturalisation,” to applicants with distinguished contribution in the field of science, philosophy, art, literature, world peace or human progress.
In May this year, the Indian home ministry granted him the right to stay in India indefinitely on humanitarian grounds after his Pakistani passport expired the same month.
Sami with his powerful Indian contacts has made several representations to Home Minister Rajnath Singh about his citizenship.
The paper said Sami was exempted from deportation proceedings under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act.
In 2009, Sami’s wife filed a case of cheating and cruelty against him in Mumbai.
“The criminal case filed against him was also taken into account, and we came to the conclusion that it was a civil case, which shouldn’t come in the way of our decision,” said the official.
Sami has sung in various Hindi films, the latest being a qawwali for the Salman Khan-starer Bajrangi Bhaijaan.
It was in March that Sami applied for Indian citizenship for a second time after the Centre rejected an earlier plea.
The 43-year-old singer — whose earlier request was rejected some two years back — has made his application to the Foreigners’ Division of the Indian home ministry.
Sami, who was holding a Pakistani passport, arrived in India in 2001 and, between 2001 and 2013, visited the UK and several other countries. He has a business and professional visa.
His earlier application for citizenship was submitted to the special branch of Mumbai Police.
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On DawnNews
Comments (137) Closed
Oct 24, 2015 10:03pm
Finds better career in Bollywood, from singing to judge shows.
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Oct 24, 2015 10:06pm
Welcome Adnan
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Oct 24, 2015 10:10pm
Citizenship already granted. Now Indians can enjoy his qawwalis.
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Oct 24, 2015 10:14pm
He might get Indian citizenship but will he get Mumbai's citizenship?
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Oct 24, 2015 10:18pm
Great stuff by India!
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Oct 24, 2015 10:20pm
Good. Welcome Adnan Sami as a citizen of our great land.
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Oct 24, 2015 10:22pm
Excellent ! Welcome bhaijaan.
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Oct 24, 2015 10:26pm
Welcome Adnan!!!
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Oct 24, 2015 10:30pm
If this is indeed true, Mr. Sami will join the ranks of Sahir Ludhianvi, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, AK Hangal , Qurratulain Hyder and others who made India home.
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Oct 24, 2015 10:32pm
welcome Adnan
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Oct 24, 2015 10:33pm
He deserves it. I think he is the most adored pakistani in india.
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Oct 24, 2015 10:43pm
India welcome Sami
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Oct 24, 2015 10:53pm
Why should that country refuse him citizenship! He would be a good 'earner'for them!
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Oct 24, 2015 11:13pm
God bless him & he can become Bridge between India & Pakistan.
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Oct 24, 2015 11:19pm
Congratulations!! My fellow countryman.
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Oct 24, 2015 11:23pm
Go ahead. It is your choice.
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Oct 24, 2015 11:27pm
clever decision .... he know whats good for him
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Oct 24, 2015 11:28pm
Govt of India must have taken this decision after a proper deliberation and thinking. So we welcome it. It is nothing to do with the religion.
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Oct 24, 2015 11:36pm
fantastic!!good decision adnan sami!!
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Oct 24, 2015 11:48pm
I think he is British by birth and India does not allow duel citizenship? I may be wrong? Anyway this is his choice. None of my concern.
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Oct 24, 2015 11:51pm
This is on merit. This is the way it should be at all such requests.
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Oct 24, 2015 11:53pm
Who is he?
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Oct 24, 2015 11:54pm
Lucky man
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Oct 24, 2015 11:59pm
best of luck
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Oct 25, 2015 12:00am
good for him
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Oct 25, 2015 12:01am
I wonder if Shiv Sena will let it happen!
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Oct 25, 2015 12:03am
Welcome. We are all one. Not just Indians and Pakistanis, but all of humanity.
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Oct 25, 2015 12:04am
Well, well. That's a good move and also, it negates the criticism that Modi government is facing now.
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Oct 25, 2015 12:08am
Welcome to a civilized country Adnan
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Oct 25, 2015 12:16am
India always welcome talents with wide open arms
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Oct 25, 2015 12:28am
Welcome...
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Oct 25, 2015 12:38am
A path-breaker for many. This is just the beginning, although a lot of people here would make "good riddance" statements in derision. Within a decade, we will all see the stark differences in India today and India in 2025. Just like we saw a developing, poverty ridden China of the eighties blossoming into a developed power now.
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Oct 25, 2015 12:39am
Proud to have Mr Sami as Indian.
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Oct 25, 2015 01:02am
Great. He deserves it. So does Ghulam Ali.
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Oct 25, 2015 01:04am
Great news
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Oct 25, 2015 01:30am
who cares if he take nationality or not.
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Oct 25, 2015 02:12am
All for show. In the meantime my Muslims friends in India witness a steady drumbeat of government sanctioned threats.
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Oct 25, 2015 02:25am
welcome to india
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Oct 25, 2015 02:32am
Decision appreciated
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Oct 25, 2015 02:49am
According to his wikipedia page, he was born in UK, so should he not have british citizenship? Why would anyone with british citizenship want the citizenship of India (or Pakistan) for that matter?
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Oct 25, 2015 03:09am
The day Shoaib Malik retires, he will follow the same road.
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Oct 25, 2015 03:17am
His new citizenship will accord him second class status from onset. Good luck with that!
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Oct 25, 2015 04:32am
@Naveed yes it is a "bad" news.
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Oct 25, 2015 04:34am
@Ali I thought he was Canadia citizen.
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Oct 25, 2015 04:44am
Good job Sami Adnan. Keep travelling. This is what life is about.
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Oct 25, 2015 04:54am
@Ali Lets be glad that he stays in india.
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Oct 25, 2015 05:17am
Welcome to India. Your talents as well as of other Pakistani artists will be welcomed. We love you all.
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Oct 25, 2015 05:29am
Great news !!!
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Oct 25, 2015 05:50am
Welcome to land of fairness
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Oct 25, 2015 06:08am
OMG a man who is an international celebrity staying in India since 2001,now got a ray of hope that he may be granted an Indian Nationality,although he had a Indian wife.This is a unique case that Adnan Sami so adamant for Indian nationality due to two main reasons (1)The Indian Special Branch frequently disturb the music maestro,that his visa is expiring he must go,and later come again .(2)He want to devote his mind in full to music,without bla bla bla.The Indian Goverment took almost 14 years to understand these 2 reasons.While looking at the other democracies of the world even developed countries grant nationality to cases of marriage within 42 months to 60 months.Anyway an advance congratulations to Sami and best of luck.
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Oct 25, 2015 06:51am
he was not given much respect and attention in the country so he migerates1!!!!!!!!!!!
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Oct 25, 2015 07:06am
Granted by BJP!
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Oct 25, 2015 07:09am
Those who are talented and doing some thing for society are welcome.
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Oct 25, 2015 07:19am
welcome adnan..sir jii
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Oct 25, 2015 07:43am
@Happy. Even Shabana Azmi is not welcome to buy a flat.
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Oct 25, 2015 07:48am
Every progressive nation and civilization has acted as magnet to attract talent from different places.
It is comforting to note that India is emerging as one such place.
So, welcome Adnan.
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Oct 25, 2015 08:01am
@Satyameva Jayate ...You kidding me right? Shoaib Malik is owner of crores of land in Sialkot pakistan he is playing cricket as a hobby. He has more money than Sania mirza's families combined in india and after retirement sania mirza won't get salary not until she jumps into bollywood so she will pretty much depend on her husband like wives do. Adnan Sami needs work in India and to buy a land there he needs to be citizen of that country like everywhere else in world.
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Oct 25, 2015 08:03am
@Naveed Yes regardless of your like or dislike
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Oct 25, 2015 08:19am
@AJamal Some people strive to find rot even in a rose garden.
No matter how positive a news or event it there will be people who will always look the other way.
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Oct 25, 2015 08:36am
@:) you have asked a very foolish question my friend, read the article & you will know.
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Oct 25, 2015 08:45am
Wrong decision "Ghar ki Murghi Daal Brabar". Look at Abhijeet, Kumar Sanu and dozens of Indian singers who are finding it hard to get some work.
Indians appreciate, adore outside talent more just as Pakistanis watches more Bollywood movies.
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Oct 25, 2015 08:51am
Proud of you Adnan. I'm sure you will prosperous in your new home. I think India-Pakistan should have an exchange program so that people can migrate from one to another where they feel comfortable and fit. I guess it should 1-1 exchange, so that equal number migrate to each country.
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Oct 25, 2015 09:00am
All Pakistanis with talent welcome to India and flourish
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Oct 25, 2015 09:14am
@Indian , He is welcome to Mumbai.
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Oct 25, 2015 09:20am
@samad chaudhry , Do not worry Shiv Sena will welcome him too.
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Oct 25, 2015 09:24am
@Rattanjeet singh can shabana azmi buy a flat in mumbai before that happens?
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Oct 25, 2015 09:32am
Wow
14 years to get citizenship. Here in US why would Indians complain about slow immigration system.
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Oct 25, 2015 09:32am
i love Adnan sami---you are now Mumbaiker.
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Oct 25, 2015 09:37am
@samad chaudhry He already lives in mumbai
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Oct 25, 2015 09:44am
@Satyameva Jayate your comment made my day
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Oct 25, 2015 09:44am
@Indian He has been living in Mumbai for last 15 years. where do u think bollywood is??
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Oct 25, 2015 09:49am
welcome sami bhai....
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Oct 25, 2015 09:53am
@Azee9 sorry we are a bit slow.British left both india and Pakistan with a cumbersome red tape system.
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Oct 25, 2015 09:56am
@samad chaudhry He has been living in Mumbai so far
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Oct 25, 2015 09:58am
@SK . Agreed, infact India and Pakistan should have a EU type arrangement where a citizen of either country can stay and work in the country of their choice. It is time that politicians know that they are the one's to fault, not the common folks.
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Oct 25, 2015 10:13am
he is already ownin a pent house in mumbai
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Oct 25, 2015 10:14am
Wonder why he is so eager to get Indian citizenship...Would it make any difference, or is it the fame he is after... it like he is going from fire to frying pan... Citizenship is a tough occupation which obliges the citizen to make his own informed opinion and stand by it.
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Oct 25, 2015 10:20am
If that is what he wants , it is legal and his wish so be it .............
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Oct 25, 2015 10:45am
Guys there are few my Pakistan friends objecting that why gets indian nationality he was Pakistan now an indian,, can you please answer onething you never object those Pakistan who did everything to get American/british nationalities so be it.. .. good decision by Indian GOVT I appreciate that as a Pakistani.
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Oct 25, 2015 10:53am
Brain drain. Why can't India and Pakistan develop peace relations. Because talentedof both countries can make good use of opportunities, rather than looking elsewhere.
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Oct 25, 2015 11:03am
Take the citizenship of any country but don't talk rubbish against Pakistan.
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Oct 25, 2015 11:06am
Pakistani Girls married to Indians twenty years back and continuously living and bearing children in India are not given nationality. They cant take up jobs. God forbid if their husband die they are forced to return to Pakistan. Is their any example of this cruelty in the world.
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Oct 25, 2015 11:11am
welcome sami bhai to the greatest nation on earth
may ur heart bleed for india, and may u find peace and happiness here
as an ex Pakistani may u be bridge bet the two nation in whatever small way u can
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Oct 25, 2015 11:39am
@khanm ,Sir his Heart believe in Progress India.
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Oct 25, 2015 11:56am
@Syed Nazim which Pakistani girls are you talking about. Please clarify.
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Oct 25, 2015 11:58am
@Maxx daal has become costly now. Use something that is cheap
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Oct 25, 2015 12:06pm
@AJamal : He has ten flats in mumbai. Get your facts.
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Oct 25, 2015 12:20pm
This show how happy and prosperous muslims are in India. Here is the mirror for you Pak.
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Oct 25, 2015 12:36pm
Citizenship - India ~ Pakistan should be interchangeable as per wish of the person. Atleast citizen above age of 80 should be allowed visit any country without any passport /visa. After all both the countries ( You may include Bangladesh too) are part of one country / one culture. The border between these two countries is artificial one . It was some selfish people from Indian side were responsible for this border. There are also some people who made religion as part of public life are responsible. Religion should never been a cause to divide the nation. Nowhere in history / modern world it has happened. The final aim should be how all of us work together to remove this barrier once for all and prosper.
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Oct 25, 2015 12:42pm
One wonders about the sanity of someone who adopts citizenship of a country where he will be automatically viewed with suspicion and be treated like a second class citizen because of his religion. He must be pretty delusion to think that his mediocre talent will help him overcome these hurdles.
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Oct 25, 2015 01:10pm
@Syed Nazim we will not let happened such thing my dear there may be delay but justice will be done
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Oct 25, 2015 01:25pm
It's only a matter of time. The extremist Shiv Sena will kick him out from India as well
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Oct 25, 2015 01:32pm
@maratha ... sure we do!!!!progress indeed... we both India and Pakistan is progressing towards extremism, poverty, social injustice, religious intolerance...The symptoms may differ but disease is the same ....
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Oct 25, 2015 02:04pm
Who said Modi is anti Islamic
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Oct 25, 2015 02:08pm
He is amazingly talented artist. India should feel honored if he wants to be her citizen as much as Adnan himself.
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Oct 25, 2015 02:12pm
@Karan - Mumbai Yes, where most of the population relieve themselves on the footpath.
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Oct 25, 2015 02:17pm
Adnan qualifies under Section 6 of Indian Citizenship Act; therefore, it does not matter whether he is from Pakistan or any other country.
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Oct 25, 2015 02:29pm
One thing this article missed is that Adnan's mother was an Indian citizen. It is through her that he applied for his Indian citizenship.
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Oct 25, 2015 03:11pm
Adnan I became your fan when you sang Kabhi Nahi 15 years ago. Congratulations to becoming an Indian sir Jee. We welcome you with open arms.
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Oct 25, 2015 03:22pm
@khanm ,Sir Fact is India &Pakistan Govt. have no control on population. Until population is over crowded there will be no solution there will be crises.
some will do good and some not.........this is the fact of life.
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Oct 25, 2015 04:36pm
Great to have Samee India must need a singer like him who enriched music elsewhere
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Oct 25, 2015 04:52pm
slap on all those Indians who have quitted their Indian Citizenship to get US Citizenship. It is a dream for Indians to get H1B visa and there is a backlog of 10-15 years to get GC
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Oct 25, 2015 04:57pm
Sami you do not deserve to be a Pakistani, ingrate. India is welcome to you.
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Oct 25, 2015 04:58pm
@AJamal interesting that you think so. So Shabana Azmi has been living in an illegal hutment colony thus far? Life must be very tough for her.
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Oct 25, 2015 04:58pm
@SK Who will migrate to Pakistan?
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Oct 25, 2015 05:34pm
Does Shev Sena know about it?
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Oct 25, 2015 07:24pm
Awful musician with awful decision
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Oct 25, 2015 08:29pm
@kashif
>According to his wikipedia page, he was born in UK, so should he not have british citizenship?
He has Pakistani passport. Read the news.
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Oct 25, 2015 08:37pm
@Must read this..
As far as I know, in India you can't get Indian citizenship if you marry an Indian girl. But if you are a girl and marry an Indian man then only you can automatically eligible to get Indian citizenship.
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Oct 25, 2015 09:11pm
Shiv Sena can't do anything. Shiv sena can only make troubles in Mumbai but in other cities. It is a very small party getting more than necessary attention. There are many who get citizenship in India every year but this case being highlighted in hope of improving relations with Pakistan. Welcome Adnan!
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Oct 26, 2015 04:11am
@Indian Navy Huma she is married to Nawaz she is living in Bangalore. There are others also.
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Oct 26, 2015 04:35am
@Tech GS Happy for Indians are welcoming Adnan Sami, I request them to press their government to make visits to India of Pakistan possible, specially of senior citizens of divided families. It is not possible for their Indian relations to get endorsement on their sponsorship letters from selected government officers.There are very few such Muslim officers and they can not be approached by most of the sponsors. It almost impossible to get approach and get endorsement from non Muslim officers. To begin with senior citizens should be able to get visa on simple sponsors letter from relations without referring their case by Indian High Commissioner to Delhi for verification.
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Oct 26, 2015 09:08am
@Tariq, Lahore Big earner than Gulam Ali? Fatheh Ali Khan?
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Oct 26, 2015 12:01pm
@Angry Pitbull You are right. We are welcoming most NRIs and expatriates with skills into India in all sectors.
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Oct 26, 2015 12:29pm
@Baloch If a man marries an Indian girl he will have to stay in India for five years to get Indian citizenship.
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Oct 26, 2015 12:33pm
@Shazad H1B visas are used by Indian companies in a limited way as most software development is getting done off shore in India. We are seeing a reverse migration as American companies are sending their Indian employees to India on US salaries. Also India has more opportunities today than the US.
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Oct 26, 2015 01:58pm
liberal society persons are wel come in india,
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Oct 26, 2015 03:09pm
We Love Adnan for his works in Tamil and Telugu Languages. We very much willing to hear his voice more in or southern languages.
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Oct 26, 2015 03:15pm
Good to hear that.
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Oct 26, 2015 03:33pm
India is a natural home for all artists... Adnan Sami ,Congratulations now you will be known as "Indian", its a great honor.
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Oct 26, 2015 04:23pm
@kashif india is opportunity for his profession and love.
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Oct 26, 2015 05:45pm
India; with the uncivilized Shiv Sena/ RSS and all the other unruly elements.
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Oct 26, 2015 06:57pm
Welcome, adnan bhai
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Oct 26, 2015 08:37pm
By law, Pakistanis, SriLankans and Bangladeshis have different legal track to become citizens of India compared to the rest of the world. They cant become citizens unless there is a compelling reason. They can become permanent resident after marrying indians though, but citizenship is different and a longer process. Muthaiah Muralidharan,the famous cricketer, had married an Indian woman and he is a permanent resident now, he cant easily become a citizen.
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Oct 26, 2015 10:17pm
Many readers/commentators seem miffed and even upset by Adnan being granted Indian citizenship. He wants it, the country's legal system allows it so where is the problem? Quaid too was an Indian citizen for most of his life and he couldn't do music or entertain. So where is the problem. Thousands of Pakistanis have opted for US, UK and citizenship of other countries including India and no one ever got upset, so why with Adnan? He is exercising his free will & choice and good luck to him. The environment and society suits him better and he has millions of admirers, some in Pakistan too. He is an accomplished artist.
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Oct 26, 2015 10:25pm
@Syed Nazim If so, it is bad.
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Oct 27, 2015 12:34am
what is need to migrate! Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is singing in bollywood & others also from Pakistan. Fawad, Mahira, Meera,Hocane, Ali Zafar are not migrating , so why Adnan ? Enlighten me if some one can?
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Oct 27, 2015 12:36am
And why is citizenship being denied to Taslima Nasrin?
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Oct 27, 2015 01:03am
Welcome to India, Adnan! May you prosper and add value to India...
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Oct 27, 2015 02:43am
@Tech GS Please keep religion out. Keep that in private.
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Oct 27, 2015 11:02am
@Akhtar you are right. But in India - Sonia and Raul, both have dual citizenship, and they are set to be the PM one day.
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Oct 27, 2015 11:06am
@Baloch .Yes you are right,but Adnan case is VIP case,and dealt differently,but still time consumed , too much,or inordinate delay.
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Oct 27, 2015 12:28pm
@Inzy
> But in India - Sonia and Raul, both have dual citizenship
Wrong. Both have single citizenship. Sonia has already gave up her Italian citizenship.
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Oct 27, 2015 02:14pm
@Inzy ; you are wrong. India does not allow dual citizenship. sonia had to forego her Italian citizenship before adopting indian citizenship. Rahul being the son of Indian citizen automatically is indian citizen.
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Oct 27, 2015 03:28pm
Guys, just dream on, if jijaji (shoaib malick) decides to land and stay here, what an awesome guy we'd have in our cricket team! wouldnt that be amazing?
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Oct 27, 2015 03:56pm
Well if he is happy, then let him.
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Oct 27, 2015 06:14pm
@kashif He was born in UK but in a Pakistani diplomat family. I believe kids of diplomats don't become naturalized citizens of the country of their birth, unlike ordinary people. Strange but true.
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