Body of missing teen found on Margalla Hills

Taha’s fate remained uncertain until forest staff found his body

The search for 15-year-old Mohammad Taha, who went hiking on Trail-5 with friends, tragically ended when his body was discovered in a deep ditch in Margalla Hills in the federal capital.

Despite efforts by the newly established Margalla patrolling unit and the police, Taha remained missing until the Forest Department informed authorities on Monday morning.

Taha’s mother, Maimona Jabin, had repeatedly sought help from Rescue 15 and the local police station, but it took two days for a search to commence. Taha’s body was identified by family members, prompting investigations into the circumstances of his death.

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A spokesperson for the Islamabad police stated that Taha likely lost his way and fell into the ditch. The body was removed from the ditch and shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for post-mortem.

Further investigations and a post-mortem examination were underway to uncover all aspects of the incident.

On the other hand, the new Margalla patrolling unit established three weeks ago to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property on the Margalla hiking tracks has failed miserably in its first test case.

The newly established Margalla Hills Patrol Unit faces scrutiny following its first test case. The home minister, while officially inaugurating it near Trail 6, announced that this new unit has not only been provided with heavy fast and modern motorcycles but also provided horses to protect the life and property of the people going to the Margalla Hills for hiking.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2024.