Swiss tourist, aides robbed at gunpoint

Robbery sparks territorial dispute between capital, Taxila police

ISLAMABAD:

A foreign female tourist and five of her Pakistani companions fell prey to an armed robbery while exploring the cultural richness of the federal capital while hiking on a path to Taxila.

The distressing incident unfolded as a group comprising the foreign national was on the way to Taxila when the armed robbers intercepted them.

The aftermath of the robbery sparked a territorial dispute between the Taxila and Golra police, prompting swift action from the Islamabad Operations DIG.

According to police sources, the foreign tourist and her Pakistani friends parked their vehicles in Shah Allah Ditta before setting off on a hike towards a Stupa in Taxila. Armed robbers, whose identities remain unknown, ambushed the group, held them at gunpoint, and confiscated their mobile phones at Mouza Parache Khurman. Subsequently, they forced the victims to withdraw Rs120,000 from an ATM before releasing them.

The tourists were reportedly kept in wrongful confinement near the Stupa, falling within the Taxila police station's jurisdiction. However, their vehicles were parked near Golra police station at Shah Allah Ditta. The foreign lady is believed to be from Switzerland, as per available information.

A Golra police station officer highlighted that the hiking trail near Shah Allah Ditta village is popular among tourists exploring Taxila's Buddhist culture. Tourists typically return in the evening after visiting the Buddha statues and cultural sites. Unfortunately, the area known as "Parache Khurman" along this route is notorious for frequent thefts targeting tourists. Although this area falls under Taxila police station's jurisdiction in Rawalpindi, Golra police often handle such incidents due to the lack of attention from Rawalpindi authorities.

Regarding the absence of a police patrolling system along this vulnerable route shared by federal and Taxila police jurisdictions, aimed at protecting tourists from criminals, including those believed to hide in Mauza Parache Khurman, the officer confirmed the lack of such security measures. However, Golra police assured that they would register a case and apprehend the culprits responsible for the robbery.

This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and collaborative efforts between police stations to ensure the safety of tourists exploring historical and cultural sites in the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 9^th, 2024.