KARACHI: Funeral prayers of five siblings, who died of food poisoning in Karachi, were offered in their hometown village in Pishin, as their aunt also passed away on Saturday.
The prayers were attended by a large number of locals, tribal elders and relatives of the deceased.
Meanwhile, a three-member investigative committee was formed on Saturday to probe into the death of the five children who reportedly died of “food poisoning” in Karachi’s Saddar area on Friday.
The investigation team, headed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Sharjeel Kharal, comprises Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) South Pir Muhammad Shah and SSP Investigation Tariq Dharejo.
Earlier on Saturday, the death count in the incident increased to six as an aunt of the children also passed away.
The newly-formed committee informed the media that “it will send food items and body parts of the deceased for forensic testing to gather further evidence”.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that the Karachi Police have not registered a case yet.
“We will file the case once the head of the family returns to Karachi [after burying his children],” replied a police officer upon asking.
Karachi Police on Friday reported that five children died of suspected food poisoning in Saddar area of the metropolis.
Reportedly, the kids and their mother dinned at an eatery in Saddar, following which their condition worsened. The family was brought to a nearby hospital, however, the kids could not survive.
“Apparently, it is a food poisoning case, however, further investigations are underway,” said the Superintendent Police (SP) Gulshan Tahir Noorani.
The incident came after twin siblings – four years old Humayyun and his sister Aliza – on December 31, ate French fries from a local food-seller after which their condition worsened. Both the kids were rushed to a nearby hospital where the boy immediately died and the girl was reported to be in a critical condition.
Later, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), in a statement, expressed grief over the incident and said that the medical body is concerned for the risk to the lives of people who dine out at the restaurants.
Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan also expressed sorrow over the tragic demise of five children.
Meanwhile, Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister on Information, Law and Anti-Corruption Barrister Murtaza Wahab, while taking notice of the incident, has sought a detailed report from the Sindh Food Authority (SFA).