Couple dies after sudden illness in Faisalabad

Market food suspected as bodies sent for post-mortem

FAISALABAD:

A young couple, including a Saudi Arabia returnee, died under mysterious circumstances after allegedly consuming a poisonous substance in the Ghulam Muhammad Abad area.

Police said the incident took place in Zameer Town, Street 3, within the limits of Ghulam Muhammad Abad police station.

The deceased were identified as 25-year-old Muhammad Rehman and his 23-year-old wife Natasha.

Police said both bodies were taken into custody and shifted to the mortuary of Allied Hospital for post-mortem examination, while further investigation was underway.

As per initial police reports, Muhammad Rehman, who had recently returned from Saudi Arabia, left his home on foot with his wife on Sunday evening to visit his maternal uncle in Hussainabad locality. From there, Rehman borrowed his uncle’s motorcycle, and the couple went out to eat in the local market.

After eating and drinking at a roadside spot, they returned home after Maghrib prayers.

Soon after reaching home, both husband and wife reportedly fell seriously ill and began vomiting.

Their condition worsened rapidly, prompting family members to rush them to a nearby private hospital.

After providing initial medical aid, doctors referred the couple to General Hospital Ghulam Muhammad Abad due to their critical condition.

Despite medical treatment, both Rehman and Natasha died during treatment.

Upon receiving information about the deaths, SP Lyallpur Town Abid Hussain Zafar, ASP Gulberg, SHO Ghulam Muhammad Abad Sub-Inspector Mazhar Irfan, along with other police officials, reached the hospital. The police took the bodies into custody and sent them to Allied Hospital’s mortuary for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

SHO Mazhar Irfan said that Rehman had returned from Saudi Arabia and had married Natasha about six months ago.

He added that before their condition deteriorated, the couple told family members that they had consumed a bottled drink purchased from the market. However, the police suspect that the matter may involve other factors, and all possibilities are being examined.

“The cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem and chemical analysis reports,” the SHO said, adding that legal proceedings had been initiated and further investigation was in progress.

Police officials stated that the incident had caused shock and grief in the area, and efforts were underway to ascertain whether the deaths were accidental or the result of foul play.