K-P inspector hosts Russian tourists at residence to clear air

Foreign couple had earlier alleged that police in Jamrud area had harassed them

PESHAWAR:

Following a foreign couple's allegations of being harassed by police in the Jamrud area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Khyber district, Sub Inspector Amin Akbar Afridi hosted them at a Nanawate – a local custom aimed at erasing misunderstandings.

The Russian tourists, Slava Skolaniya and his wife, were the first foreigners to be hosted at an event otherwise only held for locals. The event was also attended by journalists and other police officials. During the event, the couple was honoured with traditional hospitality and gifted the woman a traditional chadar.

Several local dishes were on the menu, whereas traditional musicians were also arranged for the entertainment of the guests.

The couple lauded the people of K-P, especially of Khyber district, terming them "very hospitable, loving, peaceful and traditional". They said they held no anger towards them in their hearts, and would encourage tourists, especially foreigners, to visit this historic place.

Read Photo of tearful Russian woman stirs outcry

They added that while they faced some troubles navigating their way around a day earlier, and felt the officers were rude, they have now realised that the people of Jamrud are in fact "very loving".

The couple extended their gratitude to the sub-inspector for the gifts and hospitality. The Russian tourists said they will remember the love, brotherhood, hospitality, and especially the tribal tradition Nanawate.

Earlier this week, the foreign couple was travelling in Khyber’s Jamrud when they were allegedly intercepted by police personnel who questioned them "aggressively and ordered to not go ahead from there onwards," despite showing documents.

Regrettably, the couple's experience took an unexpected turn as their photograph surfaced online, accompanied by allegations that the woman had been subjected to harassment.

However, District Police Officer (DPO) Saleem Abbas had vehemently denied harassment of the couple by any member of the police force.