Volleyball player Misbah Hina robbed on Naran-Babusar Road

GILGIT: Volleyball player and sports activist from Hunza Valley, Misbah Hina, was robbed on the Naran-Babusar road, police confirmed on Thursday.

According to a first information report (FIR) registered with the local police, the incident occurred on June 14 in Jal Saray, the Thak area of Diamer district, when Hina, accompanied by her family, was traveling from Islamabad to Gilgit in a rental car.

In a social media post, Hina narrated the ordeal saying, “We got stuck in traffic in Naran for nearly four hours, which delayed us significantly. By the time we reached Babusar Top, it was around midnight. The road was dark, but we pushed forward, thinking we’d soon reach our destination,” she wrote.

However, she said, the journey took a terrifying turn after midnight as Hina’s vehicle began descending towards Chilas. At approximately 1am, two armed robbers ambushed the vehicle, stopping it in its tracks. The robbers, appearing suddenly from the darkness, threatened the family with guns and demanded their valuables. The victims were forced to hand over their mobile phones, wallets, and bags. Hina, however, managed to conceal her phone during the attack.

Hina emphasized the importance of safety during late-night travel, a crucial issue for those traversing such isolated routes. “It was a stark reminder of how risky late-night travel can be on this route,” she said.

Hina urged travelers to take precautions, particularly in areas like the Naran-Babusar road. She has advised avoiding late-night travel, traveling in groups or convoys, and securing belongings. “Always inform someone of your travel route and estimated arrival time. If possible, travel during daylight hours, when roads are busier and safer,” the 30-year-old athlete added.

Hina, who is also the founder of Misbah Volleyball Academy, a platform dedicated to empowering women through sports and outdoor activities in Gilgit-Baltistan, expressed gratitude for the safety of her family, despite the harrowing experience.

While talking to HUM News English, Hina’s husband, Shehzad Ali, explained that two young men—one armed with a pistol and the other with an SMG—wearing masks intercepted their vehicle at around 1:00 AM on the Babusar Naran Road. He said the armed individuals forced them to stop the engine and headlights. The robbers first approached the driver’s side, and when the driver didn’t open the door, they moved towards him. The man with the SMG entered the car, snatched their bags, wallets, and mobile phones worth approximately Rs 500,000. Ali said Misbah, her brother, and a cousin sitting in the back seat managed to save their mobile phones by throwing them towards the footrest.

“When we reached a community police check post, they were asleep. We woke them up and narrated the ordeal. The police took us to the Jal Police Station, where were kept for four hours from 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM while we wrote our application four times,” he added.

According to Ali, the police provided them with a document stating that the incident had occurred and assured them they would update them in the morning. However, no further information was provided.

Ali then reached out to the Deputy Commissioner of Lower Kohistan, a cousin of his, who intervened by speaking with senior officials. Subsequently, the DPO sent the FIR copy, and the next day, they showed some individuals who appeared to resemble the culprits.

While talking to HUM News English, Diamer District Police Officer Abdul Hameed confirmed the incident saying that preliminary investigations have led to the detention of approximately 12 suspects. According to police, they have also registered a case and it is the first robbery in this area in the past two years.