In a deeply disturbing incident, a Belgian woman was tragically found on the streets of Islamabad, having endured days of sexual assault. The victim, discovered in the Sector G-6/1-3 district of Islamabad, was in a dire state, with her wrists and legs bound by ropes. She had been left on the roadside by unidentified assailants after being repeatedly raped. A local resident came across the abandoned woman and promptly alerted the authorities.

Upon their arrival at the scene, the police encountered a woman in her mid-20s, appearing visibly distressed. She identified herself as a citizen of Belgium and disclosed that she had been residing in Islamabad for the past six months. During this time, she recounted living with a man who subjected her to continuous sexual violence. The horrific ordeal reached its peak on August 14th, a date marked by Pakistan as its Independence Day, underscoring the stark contrast between national celebration and the personal tragedy experienced by the victim.

The victim, identified as Silvie Stina, aged 28, was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment following her rescue. There, she reported that her ordeal involved being sexually assaulted by several unidentified individuals over a period extending more than five days. In response to her allegations, the local police swiftly initiated a criminal investigation, leading to the arrest of one individual implicated in the sexual assault of the foreign national. The police are continuing their efforts to apprehend any additional suspects involved in this heinous crime.

The Islamabad police have taken decisive steps in the investigation of the distressing assault on a Belgian woman, leading to the arrest of a suspect named Tamizuddin, who is now in police custody. The authorities are actively questioning him as they delve deeper into the intricacies of the case. The victim has explicitly confirmed Tamizuddin's involvement in the brutal incident.

Following his arrest at his residence by Aabpara Police, Tamizuddin was transported to a local hospital for a detailed medical examination, coincidentally, the same facility where the victim received care. Despite the serious allegations against him, Tamizuddin has vehemently denied all accusations, claiming that the victim is mentally unstable. He further complicated the matter by asserting that she lacked proper identification and had entered Pakistan without the necessary legal documents. In response, law enforcement has initiated a meticulous search of Tamizuddin’s apartment, hoping to recover any of the victim's missing documents and gather further evidence pertinent to the case.

Moreover, the ongoing investigation prompted the police to reach out to the Belgian embassy for assistance. However, the embassy officials reported having no records of the victim's travel to Pakistan. This lack of documentation led the authorities to consult the Netherlands mission, considering the victim's native region is proximate to the border between Belgium and the Netherlands. According to a report by Dawn, this step was taken to clarify her nationality and possibly track her entry into Pakistan, providing additional layers to an already complex investigation.

As the investigation progresses, these efforts underscore the serious approach of the Pakistani authorities in resolving this case, ensuring that all facets are thoroughly explored to bring justice to the victim and uphold international diplomatic relations. Further updates are anticipated as the inquiry continues to unfold, with the local community and international observers closely watching.

Arabela Urpi, Famous American Vlogger Gang Raped by Her Hosts Muzmal Sipra and Shehzad in Pakistan, People Knowing the Matter Said – 'Women Are Not Safe in This Country'

Two years ago, a distressing incident reminiscent of the recent brutal attack on a Belgian woman in Islamabad shook Pakistan, involving another foreign national. This earlier case involved Arabela Urpi, a 21-year-old American vlogger, who faced a horrific ordeal during her visit to Pakistan's Punjab province.

The attack took place at the Fort Munro hill station, where Arabela Urpi was allegedly gang-raped by her guide, Muzmal Sipra, and his accomplice, Shehzad, on the night of July 17 in a hotel room. The first information report (FIR) lodged at the BMP station detailed Urpi's harrowing experience. She stated in the FIR that not only was she raped, but Sipra had also taken the violation further by recording the act without her consent.

Compounding her trauma, Urpi reported that Sipra had threatened her against pursuing any legal action, an attempt to silence her and evade justice. In response to her complaint, the Border Military Police swiftly arrested Sipra, while continued raids were conducted to capture Shehzad, the second accused.

The local government, taking the matter seriously, reacted promptly. Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz requested a comprehensive report from the Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding the disturbing events at Fort Munro. Furthermore, D.G. Khan Deputy Commissioner Anwar Baryar revealed that Urpi had traveled to Fort Munro from Karachi, having been invited by her social media friend, Muzmal Sipra, who she had planned to visit in the Rajanpur district—a considerable distance of about 550 kilometers from Lahore.

The victim, who was on a tourist visa and had been living in Pakistan for the past seven months, provided a harrowing account of her experiences.

The First Information Report (FIR), a copy of which was accessed by PTI, detailed her visit to Fort Monroe where she planned to create a travel vlog with Muzmal Sipra and his friend, Azan Khosa. According to her statement in the FIR, what was supposed to be a content creation trip turned into a horrific ordeal. "We stayed in a hotel at Fort Monroe where both suspects gang-raped me and also made a video of the act to blackmail me," she alleged in the FIR. This stark declaration highlights the calculated brutality of the assault and the abuse she suffered.

Prompt action was taken following her report as the Border Military Police arrested Sipra and initiated raids to capture the other suspect. The FIR was registered under Section 376 and 292 b of the Pakistan Penal Code, reflecting the serious nature of the accusations.

In response to the incident, medical and legal protocols were swiftly enacted; the police conducted a medico-legal test of the victim to support the ongoing investigation. Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz also took immediate notice of the case, directing the Punjab Police chief to personally oversee the investigation to ensure thorough and impartial proceedings.

Further, at least two people were detained by the Pakistani police after the 21-year-old woman reported the assault, which occurred while she was staying at a resort in the eastern Punjab province. Among those detained was the woman’s host, who had driven her to a hotel in the district of Dera Ghazi Khan, where the assault took place earlier that week. This preliminary finding was part of a broader inquiry conducted by the police, which also involved raids to locate additional individuals involved in the case.

Local sources and Pakistani news agencies reported at the time that the woman had spent the previous five days at the residence of one of the men now suspected of attacking her, who had acted as her "guide." This incident, occurring two years ago, underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of women, particularly foreign visitors, in certain regions of Pakistan.

The United States Embassy in Islamabad communicated with the Associated Press regarding the consular support provided to the victim. The embassy underscored that "The U.S. Department of State and our embassies and consulates abroad place the highest priority on protecting U.S. citizens abroad." This statement highlighted the commitment of U.S. diplomatic entities to ensure the safety and rights of its citizens while they are overseas.

Further adhering to privacy considerations, the embassy remarked, "Out of respect for the alleged victim’s privacy, we can’t talk about the details of the allegation." This reflects the delicate balance the embassy maintains in handling sensitive cases involving U.S. nationals, ensuring that the victim's confidentiality and dignity are preserved while addressing the legal aspects of the case.

The Free Press Journal reported additional details from the First Information Report (FIR) that Arabela Urpi filed following the incident. According to the publication, Urpi's harrowing experience at Fort Monroe involved being raped by two men, Muzmal Sipra and Shehzad, who also filmed the assault to potentially use as leverage against her. The FIR vividly detailed the assault: "We remained in a motel at Fort Monroe where both suspects gang-raped me and also shot a film of the event to blackmail me."

This FIR was registered at the BMP station, where Urpi bravely recounted the events of the night of July 17, and how she faced threats from one of the suspects when she approached the authorities. Following her report, the Border Military Police took prompt action by detaining both accused individuals.

Adding context to the incident, D.G. Khan's Deputy Commissioner Anwar Baryar noted that Urpi had come to Fort Monroe from Karachi, accepting an invitation from her social media acquaintance Muzmal Sipra, whose residence in Rajanpur district she visited. This journey of approximately 550 kilometers from Lahore to Rajanpur was where the grim events unfolded.

As per the police official’s statement, Urpi had been residing in Pakistan on a tourist visa for the past seven months prior to the incident. Despite the frequency of sexual assaults within Pakistan, such incidents involving foreigners are notably rare, which brought an additional layer of shock and urgency to this case.

Netizens Reactions

The assault of American travel blogger Arabela Urpi in Pakistan has ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media, highlighting global concerns over safety and justice. A series of tweets from various users encapsulate the widespread outrage and the complex social implications of the incident.

Ankur, with the handle @unapologeticAnk, expressed his dismay, tweeting, "American female travel blogger gang raped at a tourist town in Pakistan. Pakistan is the only country who had announced 'rape emergency' in its country." This tweet, dated July 20, 2022, underscores the unique and dire situation in Pakistan regarding sexual assault crises, pointing out the paradoxical nature of the country’s efforts to handle such emergencies.

Further adding to the conversation, Shama Junejo, @ShamaJunejo, remarked on the broader implications of such incidents, stating, "The reason Pakistan is the second most dangerous country for women in the world. These bastards must be arrested and hanged for gang rape. #JusticeForArbela." Her tweet reflects a call for severe punitive measures and highlights the perceived systemic issues within the country that contribute to its dangerous standing for women.

Zahack Tanvir, through his account @zahacktanvir, criticized certain social media behaviors, commenting, "Those who write ‘Rapistan’ as their country in the social media profiles, and their woke gang—are not seen highlighting this incident of gang rape of the American TikToker Arabela Urpi, who was invited and raped in turns, by her hosts at Fort Munro, Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab." This tweet points to perceived hypocrisies within social media activism, especially regarding selective outrage based on geographic or cultural biases.

Minnie, under the handle @kapzminz, provided a narrative thread that gave a personal touch to the victim’s story, detailing how Arabela, known online as "Spicy Travel Girl," was enticed to visit Pakistan for what was promised to be "an experience of her lifetime." Minnie’s thread explained how Arabela was charmed by the friendly overtures of her Pakistani hosts, only to be brutally betrayed. This thread not only shared the sequence of events but also lamented the skepticism surrounding the likelihood of justice being served, stating, "They have been arrested but It’s very unlikely that Arabia will get justice."

One such reaction came from The Tall Indian @BihariBaba1008, who highlighted the misleading perceptions that led to the tragic event: "#ArabelaUrpi, a popular American travel vlogger who was unfortunately conned into thinking that Pakistan is a safe destination for solo female travelers, flew there at the invitation of her social media followers. she was gang-raped by her 'guide' and his two accomplices." Posted on July 21, 2022, this tweet underscores the betrayal of trust and the harsh reality faced by Arabela, who was misled about the safety of traveling alone in Pakistan.

Mir Behram Lehri @BehramLehri expressed his deep disturbance and disillusionment with the incident, stating, "Case Study of Arabela Urpi American Citizen has disappointed & annoyed me, wasn't able to find words to condemn this incident, it has shaken my confidence & believe in love, How person can betray true love. I request to all girls please don't trust anyone blindly. @LoveBizenjo143." This tweet reflects a personal emotional response, showing how the incident not only impacts the victim but also affects those who hear about the ordeal, shaking their beliefs in fundamental human decency.

Babu Must-Musturbatory (hōō) - @NO2PHOBIACanada, brought up provocative and critical questions regarding the religious and legal implications of the case within Pakistan: "Is Ms.Arabela Urpi stands qualified & be punishable as per the Islamic State of Pakistan's Sharia Law? Also, Ms.Urpi is 'Kafir' as per #Islam & this act on her body by Islamists must be justified. Any reference from #Hadith & Shūrā Council's recommendations.? Sympathies Ms." This user's inquiries delve into the complex interplay of religious identity, legal frameworks, and cultural norms, questioning how these factors influence the perception and legal treatment of such cases in Pakistan.

Rape Capital: A Stark Reality Unveiled in Pakistan

In light of the recent horrifying incident involving Arabela Urpi, discussions have intensified regarding the safety of women in Pakistan, with many calling for the country to be declared the "rape capital" of the world. This grim title reflects a widespread perception rooted in alarming statistics and repeated incidents that underscore the dangers women face in the nation.

Most commentators on the case assert that Pakistan is unequivocally unsafe for women, a statement that is supported by distressing data on sexual assaults in the country. Media reports indicate that there are at least 11 rape incidents reported every day in Pakistan. This staggering daily count contributes to a chilling six-year total where more than 22,000 rape cases have been registered at police stations across the country. However, the conviction rate paints an even more dire picture; out of these thousands of cases, only 77 individuals have been punished, which equates to a mere 0.3 percent of the total cases filed.

These statistics have been compiled from various reputable sources, including the police, the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the Women’s Foundation, and various provincial welfare agencies. The data collectively highlight a systemic issue within the criminal justice system, pointing to significant inefficiencies and gaps in the handling of rape cases.

The discrepancy between the number of cases reported and the astonishingly low conviction rate raises critical questions about the legal and societal frameworks in place to protect women and administer justice. It also reflects the broader issues of gender inequality and the lack of effective protective measures for women in the country.

This ongoing conversation, fueled by tragic cases like that of Arabela Urpi, calls for a serious reevaluation of how sexual assault cases are handled in Pakistan. It underscores the urgent need for reform in the legal system to ensure that justice is served and to potentially change the dangerous conditions under which women in Pakistan live. The designation of Pakistan as a "rape capital" not only serves as a call to action for the nation but also for the international community to support and advocate for better protective and judicial measures for women in the region.