Shepherd dies of dehydration after losing way in desert

Man found alive after search operation but could not survive extreme thirst, weakness

RAHIM YAR KHAN:

A shepherd died of severe dehydration after losing his way in the vast desert area of Cholistan, officials and local sources confirmed.

The deceased was identified as Muhammad Aurangzeb, son of Pir Bakhsh, a resident of Chak 95-DB in Yazman tehsil.

According to details that emerged regarding the incident, Muhammad Aurangzeb had gone to the Cholistan desert with his livestock on June 9.

He reached Toba Bahalay Wala, a government water pipeline point, in the morning where he gave water to his animals and filled a bottle for himself.

An employee of the CDA water supply pipeline, Muhammad Aslam, said that Aurangzeb later moved towards another government pipeline point at Panjkot in the afternoon.

A local shepherd, Gaman Bohar, said that Aurangzeb again provided water to his animals there and filled a bottle of drinking water before leaving.

However, while leaving Panjkot, his livestock reportedly moved away from the usual route and turned towards the western side instead of heading back towards the populated area.

Aurangzeb followed the animals and eventually lost his way in the desert.

Sources said that while wandering through the desert, his available water supply ran out.

He contacted relatives through his mobile phone and informed them that he had lost his way and had no water left.

After receiving the information, his family members and relatives immediately launched a search operation.

After continuous efforts, Muhammad Aurangzeb was found alive near Toba Kopri between 12pm and 1pm on June 10.

Although he was given water after being found, his condition did not improve due to extreme dehydration and physical weakness, and he passed away.