Academic shot dead at Babusar Top
PHOTO: FILE
In a tragic incident, a University of Baltistan professor was shot dead by suspected robbers at the Babusar Top while returning home from Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan, where he worked.
According to a spokesperson for the police, the unfortunate event took place as a BRV car, bearing the number 406, was en route from Skardu district to Punjab. When the fateful vehicle arrived at the Babusar Top, unidentified individuals obstructed the road with stones, intending to set up a barrier and rob passing tourists.
Upon spotting the bandits, the car's driver attempted to retreat and evade the robbery. The response was met with gunfire from the criminals, tragically leading to the demise of Haji Mohammad Rasheed, hailing from Mailsi, Vehari District, Punjab.
The ill-fated vehicle was carrying a total of six passengers, including Abtisam, Syed Anis, M Sajjad, and Asim Habib Rana, who remained unharmed. Following the incident, the deceased's body was transported to Chilas RHQ Hospital by the Gilgit Baltistan Tourist Police.
On the other hand, Mansehra police Monday said the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Diamir district in Gilgit-Baltistan, as opposed to rumours that it took place on the Mansehra district side of the Babusar Top.
It is noteworthy that this area has seen security concerns in the past, as evidenced by a recent incident where a tourist was injured by gunfire during daylight at Babusar Top.
While steps have been taken to safeguard tourists, there are concerns over the adequacy of protective measures for tourists within the jurisdiction of Diamir police at Babusar Top.
PTDC advises tourists
The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) on Monday advised the tourists and travellers venturing into the Northern Areas of the country to use Karakoram Highway (KKH) to avoid any inconvenience and untoward situation.
According to an advisory of the PTDC, Babusar Gilgit-Baltistan Road was closed to all kinds of traffic due to recent floods that submerged a major portion of the thoroughfare leading to the scenic tourism magnet. Babusar Road at Jal (Chalas) had been closed due to the flood, whereas the tourists were going to Gilgit via Babusar Road.
For more information, guidance or any emergency, tourists and travellers should contact Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Kite Project Helpline-1422 to get fresh updates about weather, road and flood situation. The travellers enjoy concurrently seeing the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir when passing via Babusar Pass.
Babusar Top, which is located at a height of 13,700 feet above sea level is one of the most visited tourist sites in the Northern Areas.
With additional input from APP
Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2023.