Islamabad, Pakistan – A tourist killed and burned in Swat has sparked outrage and investigations. The 36-year-old man, accused of desecrating the Quran, met his tragic end in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Incident in Madyan, Swat District
The incident occurred on Thursday evening in Madyan, a popular tourist town in the Swat district, located 280km (174 miles) from Islamabad. The man, a tourist from Sialkot, Punjab, was accused of insulting the Quran. Police did not disclose his identity or the exact nature of the alleged insult.
Police Response and Mob Violence
Police officials in Swat reported that they arrested the tourist in Madyan’s main market and took him to the police station. However, a large crowd gathered outside, demanding the man be handed over. “Our police team reached the main market in Madyan to arrest the man and took him to the police station, but the crowd demanded to have him handed over,” a police official told media.
Attack on Police Station
Hundreds of people attacked the Madyan police station, dragged the man out, and killed him. The method of killing remains unclear, but one police source suggested he was tortured to death. Videos on social media showed a large crowd chanting religious slogans and surrounding a burning body.
Destruction and Injuries
Senior Swat police official Zahid Ullah Khan stated that the mob also set fire to the police station and a police vehicle. The Civil Hospital in Madyan confirmed that eight people were treated and discharged for minor injuries related to the incident.
Current Situation and Investigations
Local officials reported that traffic was temporarily halted in Madyan overnight. However, the town’s situation has returned to normal, with businesses operating and tourist traffic flowing as usual. The police have not confirmed whether a First Information Report (FIR) was filed or if any arrests have been made.
Official Condemnation and Actions
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the tourist’s death. He requested an immediate report on the incident from the police. Gandapur’s office stated that he directed the provincial police chief to take emergency measures to control the situation.
