Sindh

Mass mugging: At least 40 people robbed at T2F café

Robbers looted laptops, phones, cash, cameras, wallets and cash worth Rs70,000 collected from the art exhibition.

Express June 19, 2011

KARACHI: A staffer with The Express Tribune and at least 40 others were robbed at the T2F cafe and peaceniche in DHA on Sunday evening when four men stormed the not-for-profit NGO.

Two of the robbers were armed and they came on motorcycles.

According to the cafe staff, the men pretended to be visitors at the cafe’s ongoing art exhibition "Loot Maar" and took out their pistols nearly five minutes after arriving.

They looted laptops, phones, cash, cameras, wallets and cash worth Rs70,000 collected from the art exhibition. Witnesses to the robbery said the robbers were clean-shaven and spoke in Urdu but said “Thank you guys” in English on their way out.

There were no private security guards in place at the cafe because till now T2F has been run on an open-door policy to maintain an environment of openness, said Sabeen Mahmud, Director, peaceniche. Mahmud added that she felt that guards were ineffective, and T2F was not meant to be a public space where people are checked.

The Clifton SP, Tariq Dharejo, said they were not aware the exhibition was ongoing or they would have sent police officers to patrol the area.

A complaint has been registered and the police has assured that the suspects will be arrested.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2011.

COMMENTS (102)

Rashida Dohad | 13 years ago | Reply Really saddened about the incident. Very glad that nobody was harmed.

detective | 13 years ago | Reply come on they cant loot that many people ok guns a scary weapon but this cant be done with out co-robbers in the crowd playing it down. this shows how weak hearted people are.

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z | 13 years ago | Reply "There were no private security guards in place at the cafe because till now T2F has been run on an open-door policy to maintain an environment of openness, said Sabeen Mahmud, Director, peaceniche. Mahmud added that she felt that guards were ineffective, and T2F was not meant to be a public space where people are checked." The things people do to save a buck or two.

Khurram Khan | 13 years ago | Reply @ Those commenting on the clean shaven content. If a newspaper points out that they were bearded then we all jump on the bandwagon and start calling them islamaphobes. If they do the opposite we still jump on them and start talking about conspiracy against islam. Tribune is just trying to get the facts right. The intent here is to point out that the appearance and mannerism of the culprits were such that they easly integretated with the general audiance This is further corborated by friends who were present - that "they were jeans wearing, english urdu speaking kids like us."

Omar Khan | 13 years ago | Reply Thank you guys? Doesn't seem like a gang of low life thugs. Besides who would come in and rob an art exhibition like that. Advanced info on the event was a must in such an event. I go to t2f a lot for the acting wheel sessions and there are usually more people. I hope this incident doesn't start a new wave of robberies.

LOLSec | 13 years ago | Reply "loot maar" oh the irony

Muahmmad Ali | 13 years ago | Reply OMG!!! Since when T2F converted into public transport? Lol

saeed | 13 years ago | Reply @chotachetan...hey why are you having so much funn..why don't you mind you own business..do Indians have to show there true nature in every article with there rotten comments..

hah | 13 years ago | Reply haha! T2F...

R | 13 years ago | Reply Salman, A crime's a crime either way. I am in no way diminishing the magnitude of the 20m people getting mugged and so it follows that I don't want you writing *this off as 'oh so it happened to some elitist group - bah! now they know what we have to live through' Because that logic has way too many holes in it. And please don't 'wonder' and especially don't 'presume' - attend events at T2f, get involved and find out what goes on. And then you will be in a better, more informed place and your statements more credible. This incident is not the sole act of violence against free thought and precisely why it is important to speak out each time. And even though 'the pain, suffering and agony' of Khi and individual robberies in people's houses are upsetting, this incident does speak greater volumes as it is an attack on a place that houses ideas, hope and love. and to me these things will forever remain more valuable than any material possessions and as such when threatened, its more upsetting.

Usman Ali Khan | 13 years ago | Reply So Sad! at least there should be any guards standing there.

Salman Orangiwala | 13 years ago | Reply @ R jee " When T2 gets violated ,it is like violating ...... " and the emphasis on the W-11 ,bares your chauvinism . 20 m souls claim Karachi to be their abode .What about their sufferings ,agony and pain of being mugges day night left and right ? Wondering what kind of "brain storming " carried on in by the Burger Bachchas in T2 , chalking strategies and implementing manouvers to pull out the average Karachiite from the nightmarish quagmares they have been living through ?? Presumably . What really goes on in these joints is very well imaginable , trying to portray the other way round or for that matter trying to link T2 with a place where Che-Guevara likes are garnishing to manifest a revolution for the Karachi's masses ( Reference : W 11 : ) ) are a little too murky and crackenedup to digest . Bottom line : Storm in a cofee cup ? .

Mushtaque Rajpar | 13 years ago | Reply this is really shocking, police must act and provided security to this space for expression

Ammar | 13 years ago | Reply ha ha i must say this is rite that people suffer almost daily from such kind of acts i also live in defence but i must warn mummy dady bachas to avoid going to such places without security ..... enjoy live ....

R | 13 years ago | Reply um, excuse me what? if someones a defence wala/burger bacha its ok for them to get looted? just because you had your phone stolen enroute in a W-11, you'd like everyone to feel what thats like? and that gives you joy? sounds a little sick to me. you want to know why this is a big story or getting 'so much media coverage' - people associated with T2f are activists, they are enthusiasts, contributors to society and as such they speak out. not only when something like this happens to them but also when it happens to you and me. its this place that holds seminars/talks/ discussions on social issues ranging from women empowerment to green lifestyles. From mentoring a minority newspaper publication to supporting campaigns like uth oye, peaceniche and t2f have given 'us' a voice - and that us is Karachi. Pakistan. When t2f gets violated, its big because its a violation of not just one individual but of everything good that it stands for. Its a violation of hope, peace, love, art, creative expression. I have had my phone robbed and I didn't blog about it or so much as post a social media update but when it happens to 'the second floor', i'm scared. it feels like it's happened inside of me, in a special corner of self where you want to go when everything else in the world is amiss. and this is why i'm moved enough to speak up for it.

waqqas iftikhar | 13 years ago | Reply It is poignant to note that Gulbahar ( a decidedly less affluent area of the city than Defence) had an incident last night where two robbers tried to mug an aged man - bystanders and pedestrians pounced on the guys, there was a shot fired but they were over powered and absolutely pummelled. Nonetheless, area elders made sure that they weren't beaten to death, burnt to death etc....but definitely given a good thrashing....- 40 ppl at T2F should have done the exact same thing to these two guys..

Salman Orangiwala | 13 years ago | Reply So atleast they thanked you guys at T2 ( or is it K2 ? ) Why so much boisterous hue and cry on such a crime which happens all around the nook and crannies of Karachi ? So , ET is no difference than that emininet ( ??) in past , DAWN , who blatanalty used to brag that they had the most affluent class of readership in the country Oh my bad the , it was in Defence , indeed . BTW , We expect ET to mention each time , reporting any such crime in Karachi ,the mother tongue of the muggers . Right ?

Grammarian | 13 years ago | Reply I am a current student and many of the people I know travel to and from school on public buses. The minister should really check his facts before making an attempt at cheap publicity.

Faizan A. Laghari | 13 years ago | Reply Saddened to hear this happened at one of the most favorite spots for the people of Karachi. Guards or no guards, this couldve happened anywhere in the country really. But it still comes as a shock when one hears "it happened at T2F" since for some reason one cant imagine this sort of thing to happen there. T2F nor its management can be blamed for this, there's very little even a guard can do. Hope things lighten up and people don't start being wary of visiting this place. I'm sure they wont. Keep on, keeping on T2F!

Tanzeel | 13 years ago | Reply Sad, shocking but funny. Open door policy for T2F worked out for robbers!

naz soomro | 13 years ago | Reply So sad....will Karachi ever be the same again?

Ali | 13 years ago | Reply Open door policy? in karachi? LOL

Shumaila Tariq | 13 years ago | Reply oh nooo. :( they don't have private guards and security system?

Modasar | 13 years ago | Reply they lost 70,000 rupees by robbers, i can give them 1 lakh rupees.

Vik | 13 years ago | Reply Hey guys check out this blog, Anam Gill wrote on the mugging. http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/6536/thank-you-guys-said-the-robbers/ Well i can't actually find a link between crime and poverty? Confused.

Zainab | 13 years ago | Reply i thought i should mention that just because the exhibition was held in defence doesnt mean that only the people residing there were attending the exhibition. i know ppl who were there and neither of them live there... so atleast be glad that sm notice was taken...

ChotaChetan | 13 years ago | Reply Clearly these people are CIA/RAW/MOSSAD agents trying to spreak panic in the peaceful city of Karachi...and the proof is in front of you...the were clean shaven! What else do you want as proof? Also they said "Thanks guys"!!

Hasan | 13 years ago | Reply A complaint has been registered and the police has assured that the suspects will be arrested .. HUH AS IF!!!

Hell no | 13 years ago | Reply So sick of all this bs! They have no right to make life miserable for us...enough is enough... !

malihahasan2 | 13 years ago | Reply I was @lootmar on saturday with my 5yr old & 3yr old. And I'll keep going back. There's no way the management could have predicted this & there's noone 2 blame other than the robbers. I <3 T2F and everything it stands for. Esp its open door policy and non-judgemental staff, who are always friendly & smiling. I live on the wrong side of the bridge and love all the events they have. By the way if there was a person like Sabeen Mahmud living in just every other lane in the country, Pakistan would be a better place for all of us. For all of you who lost something valuable: karma will ensure someone out there's getting bitten on the butt by a rabid dog. See you at T2F soon!

Saima Achria | 13 years ago | Reply Sad state of affairs :(

Mujtaba Abid | 13 years ago | Reply @Anonymous: thats because none of the 40 people had any gun !

A | 13 years ago | Reply I can bet you $100 the robbers were off duty police men.

nom | 13 years ago | Reply lean-shaven and spoke in Urdu this sentence is appalling. why do robbers generally have beards and speak pashto? what the hell ET.

wah wah | 13 years ago | Reply errr 2 armed robbers and 40 victims.. damn these guys were efficient..

Qureshi | 13 years ago | Reply hmmm... sad loss, every body needs to be extra careful, if not at T2F it can happen to any one on the road, and well our law enforcement agencies cant do much as they have a 'reputation' to keep. any idea if they plan for hire guards or willing to take up some other security measures, security wudnt b cheap and this would obviously add up

MAD | 13 years ago | Reply @Qureshi: it was an art exhibition, maybe they wanted to buy something. ALso it has happenned to me sometimes, Perhaps the guy had visited an ATM before coming in etc. things like this do happen. Either way this just emphasizes what we (our society) has become.

Shan Rizvi | 13 years ago | Reply They could have been one of those burger kids who have powerful parents and a criminal mindset.

Qureshi | 13 years ago | Reply Oho Not T2F! Loved that place, the coffee, atmosphere.. oh and free wifi! has to be one of the things i miss from karachi. and i do wonder why some one visiting t2f would carry 20k in cash??

MAD | 13 years ago | Reply You know somehow I have this feeling that the robbers were probably inspired by the exhibition. Too much of a coincedence. either way they probably got away with stuff worth several 100,000 rupees, maybe even past the million mark. Whats the worst part is tha this may spark a new trend of looting such gatherings. care should be taking when meeting up with freinds, groups etc in the future as I dont see things getting better anytime soon.

Naveed Bukhari | 13 years ago | Reply This is just hilariously ironic.Robbers.ArtGallery.NGO.Defence. The combination is mesmerizing.

D | 13 years ago | Reply they must change the event's name from "Lootmaar" to something else.

Arifeen | 13 years ago | Reply the most shocking thing here is, and im quoting respectable Ms Sabeen Mahmud

till now T2F has been run on an open-door policy to maintain an environment of openness

now what the hell does that mean, OPEN-DOOR ??? in these times ??, reallyy??? where people are not even safe in their houses, what if this were not a mugging incident, what if this were a terrorist attack, we couldve been reading the same story about 40 ppl killed instead of robbed, how can ppl at T2F be so naive....

Moise | 13 years ago | Reply @Xain Gardezi: I can see it is written but why it is written?

roomi | 13 years ago | Reply Why did they chose an Exhibition called LOOT MAAR to rob T2F and not any of the countless events that happen there. A perverted sense of humour or were they making a point of some sort!!!????

Naila | 13 years ago | Reply This is soo not fair for khiites!! This is not the khi I knew a few years back, where the hustle n bustle of street crowd, cars, ppl visiting from abroad ,friends all gathered to their fav spots and cafes for a lil gup shup or to catch up on old times... Myself sitting 1000's of miles away can still lighten up like a bulb when I hear the name KHI...n when I visited last despite my parents telling n enforcing that beta halath kharabh hain jaldi gharr ana...I use to b coming back at 1am or later than that...thinking its still safe.. I pray to Allah we too have the right to be happy in our own city where we were born n brought up,spent most of our lives there and now the city we call home is no more safe... I pray for all my fellow citizens,friends n family members that may Allah keep them safe from all these un fortunate situations...n may Khi soon be called the city of lights... Allah bless u all...

NH | 13 years ago | Reply They said: “Thank you guys” ... for what? For not resisting and cooperating. I wonder if any resistance would be appropriate.... All the 'guys' there were wondering the same, I guess. And before they came to a conclusion the culprits were gone. I wonder...

Maleeha Azeem | 13 years ago | Reply There weren't two robbers - there were four, possibly five. At least two of them had guns. Two were covering the exits and the rest were busy directing the people on what to do.

Lobster | 13 years ago | Reply One point in the defense of looters..the exhibition was called "Loot Maar", they showed the really art jokes aside, a sad incident indeed

Abdul Hameed Kath | 13 years ago | Reply I'm literally shocked to read this news. How can only 2 robbers loot all 40 participants with no resistance by any of them? I am sure there are CCTV cameras at T2F.. right Sabeen? Now the T2F management must deploy private guards at the entrance.

Ovais | 13 years ago | Reply It's unfortunate that a place like T2F got taken advantage of on the basis of their open-door policy. As long as there was no human loss or any collateral damage other than the loss of money and possessions it's still reason enough to be thankful. I guess it's up to the 'regulars' of the place to make an effort and help the place get a better security standing. Also, it's pointless replying to an anonymous post, but for any other person who thinks that 2 people robbing 40 at gunpoint is preposterous, I think it's necessary to take a moment and realize the part where there's a weapon involved. 40 people in a small space would much rather lose money once than lose their life trying to act like heroes to no avail.

AA47 | 13 years ago | Reply @Anonymous: Talkistan, no action, talk only.

Khwaja Naveed | 13 years ago | Reply If my previous comments would not be approve, I will believe that Express Tribune follows biased approach and will not read and recommend Tribune in future. This is 5th time, that my comments are not being considered to publish. Disgusting. Administrator, kindly approve my previous comments on this article about T2F.

Xain Gardezi | 13 years ago | Reply @Moise: Dont be paranoid. Its written they are clean shaven

dd | 13 years ago | Reply they must have seen the "lootmar is on" at FB, so they got there share from their "art"

Khwaja Naveed | 13 years ago | Reply Consider this as the experience to Defence Walays, This way they can feel, how people are treated "daily" in other parts of the city. As one of the commenter 'Burhan' referenced about W-11 route, believe me, on daily basis passengers are looted on different routes. These poor fellows, who can't afford to have even Rs. 5000/- mobile, lose their monthly salaries, pensions, etc. And in industrial areas, these types of thugs give "chits" amounting to on average Rs. 150,000/-to every commercial/industrial owner, on monthly basis. Note that, all these thugs are being supervised by 'known' politicians/ministers, who sits in sitcoms/talk shows and just portray patriotism and sincerity. That's why our so called Police can do nothing.

Shezray | 13 years ago | Reply T2F should have security guards and a checking policy at the door. Just because they don't believe in it does not give them the right to risk other people's lives/valuables. Given the security situation in the city it is stupid to try and be idealistic and hope that nothing bad will happen.

Anonymous | 13 years ago | Reply 2 people, with 2 guns (I'm guessing a gun each), were able to successfully rob 40 people. That's 20 people per person. I feel sympathetic to the loss of montetary value and all that, but seriously: 2 robbers, 40 robbed?

Ahsan Bari | 13 years ago | Reply This is really a sad news but now we have to live with it .

AA47 | 13 years ago | Reply Next time just send drones to kill the robbers while they are robbing so they dont rob again.

Moise | 13 years ago | Reply @Red Alert: Apparently the motivation is to malign anyone who has beard, talks about Islam, follows Islam.

A Pakistani | 13 years ago | Reply Looking to whats going on in the country and specifically in Karachi, this incident is not even worth mentioning ... No one notices on one side people r being targeted n killed in streets ... but this one gets good coverage ... because Mummy daddy bachay Darr gayay hain ...

Ameer Hamza | 13 years ago | Reply This is not only ironic but a little comic as well. This was supposed to be a static exhibit but four men got too much inspired and did the real Loot Maar. But no Maar, thank God!

anonymous | 13 years ago | Reply We need to investigate this very carefully. I know one thing that T2F is not a visible place in the sectors of Karachi which comprises looters and their supporters, and in fact, general public do not really know about the place. Given this, how is it possible that looters came with a complete idea and knowledge of the place, its specific event, time, and date, and robbed everyone present inside? I mean, if you look from outside the place, it just looks like an office or kind of a restaurants, and these places are not usually 'visited' by looters. The catch is, there is someone involved who knows the place very well, follows its schedules, and keeps note of events (with their timings) that take place over there. It is not just a feeling, but a VERY strong feeling of mine.

Red Alert | 13 years ago | Reply Witnesses to the robbery said the robbers were clean-shaven and spoke in Urdu, can Express Tribune explain the motives behind pointing this out? It tells alot about the type of newpaper that ET is....!!!1

Mann | 13 years ago | Reply Remember american Raymond Davis who shot two robbers cause they were trying to rob him. Pakistan arrested him and then the whole fiasco about blood money. See a robber is a robber not Pakistani or afghani and deserves to be punished. They brandished weapons so they got what they deserved but the extremist pakistanis didn't get it then. Hope you get it now

ChotaShakeel | 13 years ago | Reply @Chetan: try not to mess in our affairs

Ali Wazir | 13 years ago | Reply Well at least they were polite..... rare quality in robbers these days...

Shocked | 13 years ago | Reply Sad to hear about such a mishap at T2F!. I have a hunch that looters must be quite aware about T2F activities and might be members of T2F fb page!. Now a days even some rich and polish boys get involved in such hideous activities just for the sake of adventure and adrenaline rush!.

Lubaina | 13 years ago | Reply @Waqas Ahmed: Don't disgrace artists. Exhibitions are not meant to be won anyway. It is such mentality like yours that evil prevails in our society.

Sam | 13 years ago | Reply now there needs to be a seminar on this. possibly at T2f Just trying to lighten the mood and not offend. This is TERRIBLE news!

Asif | 13 years ago | Reply somebody just played the awesomest prank ever....looting the loot marr exhibition....im sure the robbers are getting some kicks out of this one....

Syed Talha Izhar | 13 years ago | Reply Sad!! :(

ChotaChetan | 13 years ago | Reply What do you expect when you call the exhibition "Loot Mar"? At least they did not kill anybody for Allah's sake...that makes them better than rangers at leat

Maleeha Azeem | 13 years ago | Reply This could have happened anywhere. I was there tonight and it took about two seconds of everyone blaming themselves for this or that, to realize that it was no one's fault but the robbers'. This is organized crime, carried out swiftly and precisely by a team of experienced criminals. What made me sad and angry was not the loss of my belongings as much as the violation of T2F. Anyone who considers themselves a regular at T2F thinks of that place as home. It stands for everything that is still good about..well..to put it bluntly..the world. I travel from Lahore just to be able to attend events at T2F, to hang out with the regulars there, to just be a part of everything that this place makes possible. For this to happen at a place like T2F is unfortunate, but then, this really could have happened anywhere. And does. This is not going to dissuade me from visiting T2F; if anything, it makes me want to reach out and help in whatever way possible. Those for whom T2F is important understand what I'm talking about. If we want this place to exist, we have to understand our part in ensuring that existence.

Joanna V | 13 years ago | Reply That is so sad! I went there when I was in Karachi last year and it was a nice friendly place and seemed well organised. So bad that armed thugs can just come in and terrorise people and steal so much. Thank God no one got hurt and Sabeen is coping. Take care all.

R | 13 years ago | Reply This is really just beyond sad. and then everyone argues about free festivals and too much security at the Jashn e Faiz for example. This is insane Karachi - doing this to the very people who are giving us so much to be proud of. Nonetheless T2F has translated into joy for many and will remain a home for artists, intellectuals and peace-lovers everywhere. Much love coming your way.

Irfan S Chohdry | 13 years ago | Reply damn, and how easily they executed this job

SZ | 13 years ago | Reply Sad & shocking

Waqas Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply guess who won the exhibition? most creative and bold ARTISTS to ever set foot in t2f. RESPECT!

Aurangzeb Maqsood | 13 years ago | Reply This is just ridiculous, we really need places like T2F where ideas are communally shared in a peaceful perfect environment, although it was very naive and irresponsible of T2F to not have taken proper security measures , if nothing else , atleast hidden cameras should've been placed to protect those expensive macbooks . Still, it is saddening that such an admirable place where art was fully appreciated , where not just art exhibitions but theatrical performances were practiced, fell victim to the prevalent crimes. As a regular visitor, and being almost victimized , (as i was there till just before the mugging), i am frightened and devastated, but i wish T2F recovers from the heavy losses soon !

Dabeer | 13 years ago | Reply Beyond ridiculous! Thankgod there was no human cost to this!

Hina Safdar | 13 years ago | Reply :O

Jameel | 13 years ago | Reply

According to the cafe staff, the men pretended to be visitors at the cafe’s ongoing art exhibition “Loot Maar”

I guess looters got truly inspired. Can you blame them?

Saquib | 13 years ago | Reply Oh! that is height of shame for all Pakistanis - such an amazing place looted by these culprits THAT IS SERIOUSLY SO NOT ON! We should go out in the street and protest! Sabeen, please do something - we would not let it happen again! Saquib

Shamail Wasi | 13 years ago | Reply raaiightttt.....the suspects WILL be arrested....how many times have I heard THAT before among other things?

Asad | 13 years ago | Reply Call the ranger!

Arslan Shaikh | 13 years ago | Reply Unbelievable. HeartBreaking.

Salman Parekh | 13 years ago | Reply :(

Salman Shamim | 13 years ago | Reply Sad plain sad, what the hell is going on no wonder every individual in Karachi is on the edge. There's no public place left where you can actually be free from crap.

ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply i always felt guards were needed at that place, surely unique in the sense of the only place which doesnt gives you suspicious looks but welcomes with openess. Then again, reminds us we live in karachi.

Zakintosh | 13 years ago | Reply More money was taken than the 70k mentioned there. People had to give whatever they had ... I know someone who lost 20k.

Babar Khan Javed | 13 years ago | Reply As long as Sabeen was unharmed, I'm glad. Oh and the 40 whatchamacallems

Ali Kazmi | 13 years ago | Reply Read "More Guns, Less Crime" by John Lott.

Asad | 13 years ago | Reply Loot Mar at Loot Mar

Imran Ghazali | 13 years ago | Reply This is really sad and I am furious at this incident. T2F is one of my favorite place in Karachi to go and relax and learn something! I hope the robbers are caught and punished - but sadly this is Pakistan!

Awab Alvi | 13 years ago | Reply FUMING !!!!

Hafeez Sheikh | 13 years ago | Reply "Loot Maar" turned out to be an apt name for the exhibition.

Aiman Amjad | 13 years ago | Reply It's sad to see that the businessmen who are bold enough to pursue an "open-door-policy" are compelled to face such disastrous consequences. Crime rate is increasing by heaps every single day. It seems that any activity of joy and entertainment of the intellect is coerced to transform into pessimism due to such activities. Who to blame? I find no one responsible but the ruthless "loot-maar" culture ensuing from perpetual deprivations faced by the society.

Burhan | 13 years ago | Reply hah! i guess T2F is the new name for W11 route bus.

shobz | 13 years ago | Reply I am really saddened to hear what happened. I love T2F as it's my favourite place in the city and is my home away from home. I really can't believe armed thugs looted this place. Is there any place in this city which is immune? I pray that they find the culprits soon.

anonymous | 13 years ago | Reply shooooootttt!!!!

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