Former Pakistani Hindu MP is selling kulfi in Haryana, question looms over deportation

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, India tightened its stance on Pakistani nationals residing within its borders. Many Pakistani citizens on visa have now returned to their country. Amid this backdrop, the inspiring story of former Pakistani Hindu MP Dabaya Ram, now living in Haryana’s Fatehabad district, has caught attention. Despite his political past, he now sells kulfi and ice cream on a rickshaw to sustain his family.

Dabaya Ram resides in Ratangarh village of the Ratia region. He can often be seen traveling from village to village on a cycle-rickshaw, selling leftover kulfis to earn a living. While his current circumstances are humble, his past reflects a journey of struggle, courage, and integrity.

Born in Pakistan’s Punjab province just two years before the Partition of 1947, Dabaya Ram’s family stayed back in Pakistan even as the subcontinent was torn into two. Throughout his life in Pakistan, Dabaya and his family faced repeated pressure to convert from Hinduism, but they stood firm in their faith. In 1988, he was elected unopposed as a Member of Parliament from District Lohiya and Bakhar in Punjab, Pakistan. He even cast his vote for Benazir Bhutto, helping her become the Prime Minister.

However, political status did not shield him from religious persecution. A painful turning point came when a young girl from his extended family was abducted and forcibly married. Despite his efforts, including moving the Supreme Court of Pakistan, he could not get justice. Disillusioned and hurt, his family decided to leave the country. In 2000, Dabaya Ram and 34 others came to Rohtak on a visa to attend a relative’s last rites and chose not to return.

Since then, they have settled in Ratangarh village. Over time, six members of his family have received Indian citizenship, and others have applied. Under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), many were granted official identification including Aadhar, ration, and voter cards, enabling them to live with dignity. Dabaya Ram shares that his children are now married within the Hindu community and have their own families.

Interestingly, Dabaya Ram was originally named Deshraj by his parents. However, during the voter card process in Pakistan, officials altered his name to Dabaya Ram, which was later listed officially as "Allah Daba" in Pakistan’s 1988 National Assembly records. Despite his past as a lawmaker, today he says he is content in India due to the mutual brotherhood and acceptance he feels here. His only wish now is for his children to secure government jobs or stable employment, which he believes would complete his dream of a safe, dignified life in India.