In a powerful moment of justice and relief, 185 Pakistani refugees—many of whom belong to minority communities—were officially granted Indian citizenship in Gujarat on Friday, marking a new chapter in their lives after years of struggle and suffering.

The emotional ceremony took place in Rajkot and saw participation from refugees residing in Kutch, Morbi, and Rajkot districts. Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, personally handed over the citizenship documents, calling it a "historic and humanitarian" act made possible by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

Among the new citizens was a woman doctor who fled Pakistan after facing severe persecution. According to Sanghavi, she was on the verge of beginning her medical career when threats and atrocities forced her to abandon everything and seek refuge in India with her parents.

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“Some of them lost loved ones, others saw their homes burned to the ground. Their pain is unimaginable,” Sanghavi said during his speech. “India stands as a beacon of humanity and religious harmony. If the world wants to learn how to protect human rights, they must look at India—and Gujarat.”

The Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their commitment to protecting displaced minorities through legislative reforms. He also urged local administrations to ensure the new citizens are immediately integrated into welfare schemes and given equal opportunities for their children.

The newly minted citizens, visibly emotional, thanked Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the state government for the support and sense of belonging. “We finally feel safe. India is home,” one of them said.

This moment not only restores identity and dignity to the refugees but also reinforces India’s image as a sanctuary for the persecuted.

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