Police have arrested the owner and seven employees of a restaurant after two young sisters died and their brother fell critically allegedly because of consuming contaminated food.
Muhammad Azeem, a resident of PIA Road, had bought food for his family from the restaurant in the same locality on August 16.
After returning home, his three children — six-year-old Tahreem, four-year-old Arha and eight-year-old Hashir — ate the food.
Shortly afterward, all three children's health deteriorated.
The family rushed the children to Sheikh Zayed Hospital, where doctors confirmed that the children had severe food-related complications.
Despite treatment, Tahreem and Arha died on the nights of August 18 and 19.
A case was registered at Sattokatla police station on the complaint of the children's father. The complainant held the restaurant responsible for serving hazardous food items that allegedly caused the fatalities.
Acting on the complaint, the police took into custody the restaurant owner along with seven staff members for questioning.
Investigators said food samples from the restaurant had been sent for laboratory tests to determine the cause of the children's illness.
The police are also examining whether expired or unhygienic ingredients were used in food preparation.
Model Town SP Ikhlaq Ullah Tarar said that the investigation was being pursued from all possible angles.
The police said forensic and health authorities were working in coordination to establish whether the food contained toxins, harmful chemicals, or was contaminated due to improper storage.
The lab reports will determine the nature of charges against the suspects.
The arrested suspects were handed over to the investigation wing for detailed interrogation.
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