Man drowns trying to save son

Rescuers recover father's body after hours-long search; son remains missing

RAWALPINDI:

The body of 36-year-old Meerban Khan, who lost his life while trying to save his six-year-old son in Nullah Leh in Gulistan Colony, within the limits of Civil Lines Police Station, was recovered by rescuers after several hours of efforts.

However, the child, Muhammad Zahid, could not be traced.

The rescue operation was suspended until Saturday morning due to darkness.

According to Rescue 1122, six-year-old Muhammad Zahid fell into Nullah Leh near Line No. 3 in Gulistan Colony on Friday. His father, 36-year-old Meerban Khan, immediately jumped into the drain to save him, but both drowned due to the depth of the water and the strong current.

Rescue 1122 water rescue teams reached the spot after receiving the information and launched a search and rescue operation.

During the day-long operation, rescuers recovered Meerban Khan's body from Nullah Leh, while the search for young Muhammad Zahid continued. However, the child's body could not be found. Rescue officials said the search operation was temporarily suspended on the first day due to darkness.

The water rescue team will resume the operation early Saturday after Fajr prayers and continue the search until the child is found. It was learnt that Meerban Khan earned a living for his children by selling roasted sand grams. His body was shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for a post-mortem, while the local police have registered a report of the incident.