Inquiry launched after three children drown in muddy pond

Islamabad:The district administration has launched an inquiry into the tragic drowning of three young waste-pickers in Tarnol. The heart-breaking incident claimed the lives of two girls and one boy, who tragically perished after sinking into a mud-filled pond on the outskirts of the city.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Islamabad has formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the incident. The committee, headed by Assistant Commissioner (Saddar Zone) Dr. Irshad Jokhio, includes the Director of Health Services from MCI Islamabad and the Secretary of Union Council Bhandana Kalan. The team has been given three days to determine the causes of the tragedy and submit their findings.

The victims have been identified as 10-year-old Gul Zareen, son of Jan Muhammad, 10-year-old Hajra Bibi, daughter of Baryale, and 7-year-old Farmeena, daughter of Nawab Khan. According to local police, the children were searching for recyclable materials around the pond when the tragic accident occurred.

A nearby security guard provided crucial details, stating that he saw the children enter the water-filled pit, which had formed over time and was surrounded by heaps of garbage. The guard noticed a hand emerging from the mud, seemingly signalling for help. Despite his attempts to reach them, he was too late. With the help of local residents, efforts were made to rescue the children, but their bodies had already sunk deep into the mud.

Police and Rescue 1122 were called to the scene and, after a coordinated search, retrieved the children’s bodies. The remains were taken to a hospital and later handed over to their grieving families.

Local residents have expressed anger, pointing out that the pond was originally dug for construction purposes but had since turned into a hazardous, mud-filled pit. They are demanding accountability and immediate measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

The DC’s notification clarified that the incident occurred near the 26 Number Bus Stop in Tarnol and instructed the inquiry committee to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths. However, the exclusion of any investigative agencies from the inquiry has raised concerns, with many questioning the reasons behind their absence. The community now awaits the findings of the inquiry, hoping for decisive action to ensure future safety.