CHINIOT: A child was killed and his twin brother critically injured after consuming sweets laced with poisoned intended to cull stray dogs. The incident has sparked outrage over the administration’s handling of the campaign.
The twins, students at a local seminary, were walking home when they found sweets on the street. Unaware that the treats had been mixed with toxic substances, the boys consumed them. Eight-year-old Ali Hasnain died immediately, while his brother Ali Hassan was rushed to Allied Hospital, Chiniot, in critical condition.
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Local residents have criticized the authorities for placing poisoned baits in public areas, noting that such methods pose a direct risk to children. The community is demanding accountability and a review of the administration’s approach to controlling stray animals.
This tragedy follows other alarming incidents of negligence in the province. Earlier, the post-mortem report of school headmaster Jam Aziz Jakhro, who died in police custody in Shahdadpur, confirmed death due to physical torture. An FIR was registered against four policemen, including SHO Ghulam Shabbir Dalwani, and the FIA is investigating the custodial death under The Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act, 2022.
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Authorities have been urged to adopt safer and more controlled methods for stray animal management to prevent such avoidable deaths in the future. Meanwhile, Ali Hassan continues to receive treatment at Allied Hospital, and the administration faces mounting pressure to ensure justice and stricter safeguards for children in public spaces.