MANSEHRA: French cyclist Moreau Pierre Andreas, who is on a world tour on his two-wheeler, reached Kohistan during his journey to neighbouring Gilgit-Baltistan.

“I could never imagine such hospitality, protocol and security from the people and police of Kohistan. The police did not allow me to travel ahead to Gilgit-Baltistan at night due to security concerns,” he told reporters in Pattan, the district headquarters of Lower Kohistan, on Friday.

Police personnel deployed along the Karakoram Highway for the security of tourists and foreigners checked Mr Andreas’s documents and, on the directives of District Police Officer Lower Kohistan Zafar Ahmad Khan, stopped him from travelling onward to Gilgit-Baltistan on Thursday evening for safety reasons.

Mr Andreas praised the hospitality and arrangements made for his overnight stay by Jijal police officials, saying he was deeply impressed by the conduct of both the police and local residents, who treated him as an honoured guest.

“The police not only provided me with foolproof security and escorted me out of their jurisdiction, but also served traditional meals and showed exceptional hospitality,” he said.

The French cyclist said he had started his cycling journey to Pakistan in early April and planned to explore Gilgit-Baltistan and other scenic and historical places in the country.

A press release issued by the police information department said security for foreigners and tourists travelling through the Karakoram Highway had already been placed on high alert.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2026