PAKPATTAN: Three minor girls died in Pakpattan on Wednesday after consuming adulterated cold drinks, a media outlet reported.
The incident happened at a wedding in Arifwala village, where four girls consumed contaminated drinks and on losing consciousness were rushed to a nearby hospital. Three girls were pronounced dead on arrival in hospital.
The victims have been identified as 6-year-old Mariah, 5-year-old Fatima, and 5-year-old Misha.
The fourth girl, 6-year old Saira, is receiving treatment at Sahiwal District Hospital but as per doctor, her condition is still critical.
The shopkeeper who sold the cold drinks is currently on the run while police is searching for him.
The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) raided the shop and took samples of the cold drinks for further investigation.
District Commissioner (DC) Pakpattan Ahmed Kamal Mann has taken notice of the incident and has directed concerned authorities to submit a detailed report.
PFA told media that it is taking indiscriminate action against food business operators (FBOs) by following the directions of the Punjab government and would allow only those food business operators in Punjab who strictly follow the hygiene principles.
