Canadian model forgives harassers, says she feels safe in Pakistan

Tariq Butt / Staff Reporter

Two young men have been arrested on the complaint of a Canadian model and humanitarian worker for allegedly harassing her, but were released after a few hours as the complainant pardoned them.

Assma Galuta, a humanitarian worker for refugees in different parts of the world and a travel blogger, submitted a complaint to Pakistan Citizens’ Portal on April 15 alleging that two young men in a car harassed her in Bahria Town and asked her to get into their vehicle.

They also blocked her way to embark in a cab and later followed her to Islamabad trying to block her vehicle and asking its driver about her destination. She changed her destination and hid in a mall until they left.

The complaint was forwarded to the inspector general of police Islamabad on April 16 which led to the registration of a case.

The police took two days to trace and arrest the suspects, who were students of a university and residents of Bahria Town. When the police informed the complainant about the arrest, she reached the police station and identified the suspects.

However, family members of the two men, including their mothers and sisters, also reached the police station and requested the complainant to pardon them. Besides, the suspects also apologised to her.

The Canadian woman accepted their apology and pardoned the men, the police said. In response, both the suspects were released. She further thanked the federal capital police for their swift response and cooperation.

In a video message,  Galuta stated she has identified the men who harassed her and that she wishes to withdraw the case she filed against them.

Galuta also expressed gratitude on the way she was looked after in Pakistan.

She added that swift action taken by authorities acts as a testament to the fact that Pakistan is a peace-loving country.

“I feel protected now in Pakistan after the accused involved in harassing have been arrested by the Islamabad police. The police and the relevant authorities behaved well and looked after me. My confidence on Pakistani police and law enforcement authorities strengthened and enhanced," said Galuta.

She added, “I am grateful to the Islamabad police, specifically, SP (Rural) who provided me protection. I appreciate IGP Islamabad, who managed to nab the culprits involved in the harassment.”