A Polish tourist couple, Tomasz (also known as Jakub) and Elisabeth (also known as Mary), who are currently on a world tour by bicycle, experienced an unfortunate incident in the Sujawal district of Sindh on Sunday. The couple, en route to Tharparkar district after visiting historical sites in Thatta, was intercepted by an unidentified man who robbed them of their mobile phones, two tourist bags, and cash totaling Rs 72,000.
Witnesses who saw the foreign tourists asking for help on the main road reported that the couple appeared to be in a state of fear and distress following the disturbing incident.
The couple began their world tour seven months ago and had visited 10 countries before reaching Thatta on Saturday night. They visited the Makli Necropolis and Shah Jahan Mosque and were on their way to Tharparkar via the Sujawal-Badin Bypass road when the robbery occurred.
SSP Sujawal, Dr. Khalique Pirzada, when contacted, revealed that he had ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. Some suspects were arrested by the local police by the time this report was filed. He further stated that no cash had been stolen from the tourist couple.
Tomasz and Elisabeth-Mary, speaking to local reporters in Thatta, said that the purpose of their journey was to spread a message of peace and humanity. However, members of the civil society expressed concerns that the incident would bring shame and disgrace to the district administration of Sujawal.
Former Director General of the Tourism and Culture Department, Dr. Muhammad Ali Manjhi, who was highly critical of the incident and security lapses in the twin districts of Thatta and Sujawal, emphasized that strict measures were necessary to ensure the safety of tourists who frequent this historically rich area of lower Sindh.
Later, amid mounting social pressure and severe criticism on social media, an FIR was registered under sections 392 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code against three suspects at the Sujawal police station.
Meanwhile, Provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, took immediate notice of the robbery incident involving the foreign tourist couple traveling by bicycle in Sujawal. The minister contacted SSP Sujawal and directed the authorities to arrest the suspects and recover the stolen items promptly.
Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah termed the incident "regrettable" and assured that the government would provide complete security to foreign tourists. He emphasized that such incidents would not be tolerated and that the safety of tourists is a top priority.
In a gesture of goodwill, the minister also directed that new mobile phones be provided to the affected tourists. This move aims to demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting visitors to the province.
Home Minister Zia ul Hassan Lanjhar has sought a detailed report from SSP Sujawal, Dr. Khalique Pirzada, regarding the incident. The minister has also instructed the district police chief to use modern investigative techniques to ensure swift justice.