A troubling incident involving three international cyclists hailing from Italy, the United Kingdom, and Iran has cast a spotlight on the conduct of local police in Sadiqabad.
On a routine journey through Pakistan, the cyclists reported severe misconduct and physical assault by local authorities, an ordeal that has since been captured in a now-viral documentary video.
The cyclists, including a female member from Iran, allege that they were mistreated during their journey through the region.
Their account contrasts sharply with the police’s version of events, which suggests the altercation stemmed from the cyclists’ refusal to heed warnings about entering a dangerous area in Sindh.
The Incident Unfolds
According to the cyclists, the confrontation began when the police tried to prevent them from traveling further into Sindh, citing safety concerns. Tensions escalated when one of the cyclists, identified as Motahira, reportedly slapped an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) during the heated exchange, which led to a retaliatory slap by the officer.
Footage that surfaced online captures key moments of this altercation. In one video, ASI Liaqat can be seen demanding that the female cyclist stand up, which she refuses, leading to the confiscation of her camera. Off-screen, the sound of slaps can be heard, further escalating the tension.
In another clip, recorded by Motahira, her companions Charlie West from the UK and Alex Sidney from Italy are seen demanding the return of their camera. They denounce the situation as an “unwarranted assault,” threatening to involve their respective embassies.
The footage also shows Motahira confronting the police, accusing them of pulling her companion’s hair, and daring one officer to shoot her as he brandishes a Kalashnikov rifle.
Documenting the Experience
In the aftermath of the incident, the cyclists released a documentary video, which has since circulated widely on social media. The video captures their harrowing experience, showing not only the altercation but also their subsequent interactions with local officials.
The documentary serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by tourists in regions where safety protocols and cultural misunderstandings can lead to severe consequences.
The video also shows the aftermath of the confrontation, where local officials, including Assistant Superintendent Police (ASP) Saddar Khurram Mahesar and Assistant Commissioner (AC) Sadiqabad Hammad Hamid, attempt to mend relations by offering the cyclists traditional Sindhi Ajraks and caps as gestures of goodwill.
Response and Inquiry
The incident has sparked widespread debate about the conduct of law enforcement in Pakistan and the treatment of foreign tourists.
District Police Officer Rizwan Umar Gondal has ordered an inquiry into the conduct of ASI Liaqat, with departmental actions pending the investigation’s outcome.
While the cyclists have since continued their journey to Lahore, leaving the controversy behind, the incident remains a significant talking point both locally and internationally.
It raises important questions about the balance between ensuring tourist safety and respecting their autonomy, as well as the broader implications for Pakistan’s image as a tourist destination.