LONDON: Two sisters from Pakistan’s City Rawalpindi drowned in Eryri National Park in North Wales, UK, after visiting the area with friends from university, according to an investigation.
According to the media report, Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, were found in pools along the Watkin Path, leading to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, or Snowdon, on Wednesday (June 11).
Their funeral prayers were held in Northern England on Tuesday night, and their bodies were flown to Pakistan today amidst great sorrow.
Hajra and Haleema had arrived in the UK four months ago for their master’s degrees. They hailed from Gulzar-e-Quaid in Rawalpindi and were born in Kahuta near Pindi. Hajra, married to Hasham Minhas with two sons aged six and three, was studying at Chester University. They resided in Maltsby, Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
A relative shared with a private TV channel, “The family is devastated. There are conflicting statements from the police and the university. Police say one sister drowned, and the other drowned trying to save her, but one sister’s body was found floating while the other was discovered ten minutes away.
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Witnesses claim both entered the water together. The police have not provided us with any information and are not assisting the family.” The relative added that Hajra’s sons keep asking about their mother, unaware of her tragic passing.
Assistant Coroner Sarah Riley of north-west Wales stated, “Hajra and Haleema had gone to the Nant Gwynant area with university friends. They entered the water and tragically drowned.”
Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances of their deaths, with the inquest adjourned pending further inquiries. Riley expressed condolences to their families, friends, and all who knew them.
The incident unfolded at the Dafydd Orwig Chamber in Caernarfon, where both women were pronounced dead shortly before 11 pm on June 11.
North Wales Police responded to a call at 9:30 pm reporting one woman rescued from the water and another still in the pools. Despite efforts, the second woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders, including a mountain rescue team, air ambulance, and coastguard helicopter, were dispatched to the scene.
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University of Chester Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons commented, “The University of Chester community mourns the tragic loss of Haleema Zahid and Hajra Zahid.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to their families, friends, and everyone affected during this extremely difficult time.” Haleema and Hajra were enrolled in the Master’s in International Business program at Chester Business School, having made a positive impact on their peers and faculty alike. They will be deeply missed.
