Pakistani singer Adnan Sami on Thursday was granted Indian citizenship with effect from 1 January 2016, following his appeal to legalise his stay in India on humanitarian grounds.

‘Adnan Sami had submitted a representation to the Home Ministry on 26 May 2015 requesting his stay in India on humanitarian grounds’, reported the Press Trust of India.

‘Lahore-born Sami had first arrived in India on 13 March, 2001 on a visitor’s visa with the validity of one year which was issued by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

His visa was extended from time to time.

‘His Pakistani passport issued on 27 May 2010 expired on 26 May 2015 and his passport was not renewed by the Pakistan government which forced him to approach the Indian government with the request to legalise his stay in India on humanitarian grounds.’

‘Adnan Sami’s two songs from the album, ‘Kabhi To Nazar Milao’ and ‘Lift Karaa De’ whose music video starred the popular Indian actor Govinda, were a sensation in early 2000s.’

‘His recent song ‘Bhar Jo Jholi meri’ from ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ was a smash hit in 2015.’