The remarkable rescue of Uzma Ahmad, an Indian lady who was coerced into marriage at gunpoint in Pakistan and survived, stands out as a testament to the compassion and perseverance of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the anniversary of her death.
After following Pakistani national Tahir Ali to Pakistan after meeting him in Malaysia, Uzma learned of his deceptions, he was already married and had four kids. Abuse, threats, and a last-ditch effort to flee ensued. It was difficult for her to return home after finding safety at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
When Uzma managed to enter the Indian High Commission, diplomats informed Sushma Swaraj immediately. Her response was swift and powerful, “Even if we have to keep her at the high commission for a year or two, we will.”
She ordered immediate verification of Uzma’s credentials and then personally oversaw every step of the rescue operation. As Uzma’s abuser roamed outside the embassy with armed aides, Swaraj remained firm. When the Islamabad High Court finally ruled in Uzma’s favour, Swaraj gave her final instruction:
“Wait in the car with her. I don’t want any more hassles before she gets back.”
Trapped in Pakistan, and a Desperate Bid to Flee
Once in Pakistan, Uzma realised she had been deceived. She plotted a way to reach the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. To get there, she convinced Ali she could bring money from her ‘relatives’, a couple working with the embassy, posing as her brother and sister-in-law.
“Uzma told Ali she could get some cash for him from her ‘relatives’ at the high commission,” then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told Hindustan Times. “It worked because Ali was a greedy man.”
At the High Commission, Uzma met Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh. With Ali waiting outside, a quick decision was made to let her stay overnight for safety. A call to Swaraj would change everything.
Sushma Swaraj: The Force Behind the Rescue
When informed of Uzma’s situation, Swaraj immediately asked for her identity to be verified. Once it was confirmed she was an Indian citizen, Swaraj made a bold declaration,
Her resolve never wavered. She coordinated efforts between Indian diplomats and Pakistani officials while managing the growing geopolitical sensitivity of the case. Meanwhile, Uzma was terrified. Ali and his armed aides patrolled the embassy, flashing rifles. “I don’t want to go back to him,” Uzma told officials. “Please feed me poison instead.”
Swaraj monitored every step. When the Islamabad High Court ruled in Uzma’s favour, she instructed Singh,
At 2:30 am on May 24, Singh drove Uzma to the Wagah Border. At 9:30 am, she crossed into India — safe, finally.
A Minister’s Promise, A Survivor’s Strength
Uzma met Swaraj the next day and broke down in her arms.
“I am here only because of Sushma ma’am. She told me that I was Hindustan ki beti, her daughter… These words gave me strength when I was completely torn inside,” she said.
She also thanked her “bhaiya and bhabhi” at the embassy for risking their safety.
