By Shabbir Mir in The Express Tribune, Mar 18
GILGIT: A US citizen of Pakistani origin, who visited Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) this week to capture the region’s spectacular beauty on film, had no idea her love for nature would land her in a situation she never dreamed she would be in.
Rubina Shaheen, a gynecologist who practices in Los Angles, was arrested from a market in Gilgit on Thursday by policewomen for her ‘suspicious behavior’. She was later cleared and allowed to leave after a brief detention and interrogation.
“They humiliated, manhandled and tortured me the entire time,” said Shaheen, while narrating her ordeal to a group of journalists in the small room of her hotel. Pointing to a scar on her left arm, she said she was forced to get into the police van.
Shaheen said her family was from Karachi, but had settled in the US. She said her father was a grade-22 government official in the finance ministry.
“I cannot believe this happened to me, I belong to a respectable family,” she said.
Still in a hysterical condition, the lady photographed journalists’ press cards with her phone camera, as if to ensure they were media personnel.
Shaheen said police put her into a van as if she was a criminal. “Now I need to cover my face before leaving this place.”
Shaheen, 50, who had only been to the area once before, was unaware of the security threats being communicated to the regional government by the interior ministry. Nor had she any idea that her presence had alerted security agencies who were constantly on the lookout after foreign forces had been blamed for playing a role in G-B’s deteriorating law and order.
Leaving her husband and three children at home, Shaheen reached Skardu two days ago via a transit flight from Los Angles.
“I wanted to make a video documentary to show my family and friends in America the hidden beauty of northern Pakistan. But my dreams have been shattered and all I want now is to leave this place as early as possible,” said Shaheen.
The International Human Rights Observer’s (IHRO) G-B chapter has taken a strong stance against the incident. “We demand the immediate arrest of officials who manhandled the woman,” said IHRO coordinator Muhammad Farooq, adding the police should be trained to deal with tourists.
Tourism Advisor Sadia Danish promised a detailed briefing on the matter from relevant departments. “She was suspicious and that is why she was interrogated,” said Danish, claiming there was no record of her arrival. Danish maintained, however, he would confirm if Shaheen had been mistreated.
Back in her room, Shaheen looks at the dying battery of her mobile phone as there has been no electricity for over 20 hours. The fear of being alone is taking its toll on her. “In the US we are eyed suspiciously for being Muslims, and in Pakistan we are suspected for being Americans.” http://tribune.com.pk/story/522347/shattered-memories-detained-us-citizen-narrates-her-ordeal/
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