KHAR: Two children were killed and several members of a family fell ill after consuming contaminated food in the Bandagi Qazafi area of Utmankhel tehsil in Bajaur district on Thursday.
The deceased were identified as 12-year-old Alisha and five-year-old Pakeeza. Police officials said the affected persons were provided initial medical treatment before being shifted to hospitals in Peshawar for further care. Sources said that seven persons, including the children’s parents, remain in critical condition and were undergoing treatment at various hospitals.
The residents said the food may have become contaminated after a lizard fell into the curry prepared for the family. However, health officials and doctors have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the illness, and no final medical or forensic report has been issued so far.
Authorities have launched an investigation, and officials said the actual cause of the incident would only be determined after the completion of medical examinations and laboratory testing.
Meanwhile, following reports of suspected cases of cholera or severe diarrhoea, the Health Department’s Outbreak Response Team visited the affected area on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Bajaur Shahid Ali and the district health officer.
During the visit, the team collected water samples for laboratory analysis and provided the affected family with medicines, oral rehydration salts (ORS), and other essential medical assistance. Awareness sessions were also conducted for residents regarding disease prevention, the use of clean drinking water, handwashing practices, and general hygiene measures.
The Health Department officials said the situation was being closely monitored and all possible medical support and assistance were being provided to the affected population.
