Hochstein's mission marks a last-ditch attempt by the outgoing US administration to clinch a ceasefire as diplomacy to end the Gaza war appears totally adrift
world3 days ago
In a deeply distressing turn of events, staff of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight bound for Skardu from Islamabad forgot to put the body of a six-year-old boy on the fight while his grieving parents embarked on their journey, unaware that their beloved son's body was left behind, Dawn reported.
The parents of the deceased child, overwhelmed by shock and disbelief, fainted upon learning that their son's remains had been inadvertently left behind at Islamabad's airport, a realisation that struck with devastating force upon their arrival at Skardu airport.
Mujtaba, a young resident of Katshi village in the Kharmang district, had been battling a grave illness — a tumour — requiring medical attention beyond the confines of his hometown. Initially diagnosed in Skardu, he was subsequently referred to Rawalpindi for treatment, where he remained under the care of physicians at Benazir Bhutto Hospital for several weeks. Tragically, Mujtaba succumbed to his ailment on Thursday, leaving his grieving parents to navigate the painful process of arranging for his final journey home.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
With the intent to transport their beloved son's body to their native village of Katshi for burial, Mujtaba's parents decided to take a PIA flight departing from Islamabad on Friday. Recognising the impracticality of a gruelling 24-hour road journey in the sweltering heat, they opted for air travel, hoping to expedite their return to their community to bid their final farewells to their cherished child.
However, what should have been a solemn and respectful journey turned into a nightmare of unimaginable proportions. Despite diligently adhering to all requisite procedures and regulations, the grief-stricken parents arrived at Islamabad airport at the crack of dawn, meticulously completing the cargo formalities for their son's remains, in accordance with standard operating procedures and the airline's guidelines.
According to Ibrahim Asadi, a relative of the deceased boy, the family's scheduled departure time of 9am local time was marred by an unforeseen delay, prolonging their departure until 1pm. Little did they know that amidst this delay, a grave error had occurred — one that would shatter their already fragile world upon their arrival in Skardu.
As the clock struck 2pm at Skardu airport, the stark reality of the situation came crashing down upon Mujtaba's parents. In a cruel twist of fate, they were informed that their son's body had been left behind in Islamabad — a revelation that plunged them into a state of utter disbelief and despair. Tears flowed as the parents grappled with the magnitude of their loss, while their anguished cries echoed through the airport lounge.
Fuelled by grief and righteous indignation, the relatives of the deceased boy swiftly mobilised, uniting in protest against the flagrant negligence displayed by the airline management. Their voices rang out in unified condemnation, demanding accountability and justice for the unforgivable oversight that had robbed them of the opportunity to bid a proper farewell to their beloved son and brother.
In the midst of the chaos, officials from PIA, the Civil Aviation Authority, and other pertinent agencies scrambled to placate the aggrieved family, acknowledging the gravity of their error and vowing to rectify the situation without delay. Assurances were made, promises of swift action and restitution offered, yet the wounds inflicted upon Mujtaba's family remained raw and unhealed.
Amidst the tumult, Yousaf Kamal, another grieving relative, levelled damning accusations against the airline, suggesting a deliberate act of negligence. Allegations surfaced regarding the flight's delayed departure, purportedly to accommodate the travel plans of a federal minister, at the expense of Mujtaba's remains languishing at Islamabad airport, Dawn reported.
ALSO READ:
Hochstein's mission marks a last-ditch attempt by the outgoing US administration to clinch a ceasefire as diplomacy to end the Gaza war appears totally adrift
world3 days ago
This will be his first visit since the beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia around three years ago
world3 days ago
The changes state that any conventional attack on Russia, aided by a nuclear power, could be considered to be a joint attack
world4 days ago
The country launched a probe in March 2021 into WhatsApp's privacy policy, which allowed data sharing with Facebook and its units, sparking global backlash
world4 days ago
This time around, Trump wants the Senate to give up that gatekeeping role and allow him to make 'recess appointments'
world4 days ago
Police allege the offences took place between 2001 and 2019 against 8 victims; the youngest was 17 at the time of the offence
world5 days ago
The two countries have a mutual defence treaty dating back to 1951, which could be invoked if either side came under attack, including in the South China Sea
world5 days ago
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger on Narendra Modi in Abuja on Sunday
world5 days ago