Rain delays arrival of Lodhran family's bodies from Chilas

Ongoing rains and poor weather conditions have delayed the return of the bodies and surviving members of a Lodhran-based family involved in a tragic flash flood incident near Chilas.

Seventeen members of a Lodhran-based medical family were caught in a flash flood near Chilas, resulting in the deaths of two family members and the disappearance of a five-year-old child.

The remaining members were rescued and shifted to a safe location after receiving medical assistance.

The tragedy struck during the return journey from a recreational tour to Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to family sources, the family's coaster van was swept away by a sudden flood near Chilas.

The deceased have been identified as Fahad Islam, elder son of Shahida Islam Medical and Teaching Hospital's owner and Dr Mishal Fatima, wife of Fahad's younger brother Saad Islam.

The couple's nephew, five-year-old Abdul Hadi, remains missing. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate the child.

The family group included Mian Islam, his wife Shahida Islam, sons Fahad Islam and Saad Islam with their wives and children, daughters Zainab and Faiza Islam (with her husband Muhammad Waheed and their three children), as well as two household staff members. They had left for Gilgit-Baltistan a week ago.

Shahida Islam Hospital's Director Admin Ataullah Wahla confirmed that surviving family members are currently housed at the Deputy Commissioner's Office in Chilas.

Following the news of the tragedy, educational activities at Shahida Islam Medical College were suspended.

Quran recitations were held throughout the day in the college's conference hall. A large number of people, including students and local residents, visited to offer condolences.

Family member Muhammad Aamir said the funeral prayers and burial in Lodhran will take place once the bodies arrive, depending on weather conditions. Meanwhile, relatives have begun arriving at the family's residence in Lodhran to offer their sympathies.