Khyber — A Russian couple visiting Pakistan for tourism experienced a distressing incident when they were harassed and abused by a Pakistani police officer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The couple, identified as Slava Skolaniya and his wife, encountered the officer during their travels in Khyber’s Jamrud area.
According to Skolaniya, the police officer intercepted them and began questioning them aggressively, citing the reason that Russia is considered a friendly country of India and supports India over Pakistan. Despite providing the necessary documents, the officer continued to berate them in front of onlookers, ordering them to halt their journey.
Recalling the ordeal, Skolaniya expressed his dismay, stating, “Some policemen were nice, but one guy in particular acted really bad towards us and scared [us] so much by taking a photo of her (his wife) crying and me and posted it on the social media platform Facebook.” He further alleged that the officer shared their personal information, including passport and visa details, which added to their distress.
The image capturing the tourist woman and man in tears quickly went viral on Pakistani social media, eliciting widespread shock and outrage. Netizens condemned the incident and demanded justice for the couple, emphasizing the importance of treating tourists with respect and dignity.
However, after the Russian Embassy took notice of the incident, the officer involved realized the severity of his actions and extended a formal apology to the distressed couple. The intervention by the embassy played a crucial role in resolving the matter amicably.
While the apology offers some solace, this incident sheds light on the need for cultural sensitivity and training among law enforcement personnel. It serves as a reminder that tourists, regardless of their nationality, should be treated with hospitality and respect, promoting a positive image of the country.
The Russian couple’s unfortunate experience and the subsequent apology highlight the significance of addressing biases and prejudices within society, particularly in the context of tourism. It is hoped that this incident prompts authorities to take necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future and ensure the safety and well-being of all visitors to Pakistan.
