Search Continues for Missing Fisherman in Poonch River, Distressed Family Awaits Assistance

Kotli: On May 31, 2024, near the area of Narooch between Kotli Barali and Gulpur Kotli Azad Kashmir (Pakistan-administrred Kashmir), a tragic incident unfolded around 2 p.m. Aqsaad Khaliq, a resident of Nemathrana Saharmandi and belonging to an extremely impoverished family, drowned while catching fish in the Poonch River.

Immediately following the incident, Rescue 1122 and local agricultural organizations (such as Sultaneya Welfare Society, Naweed Welfare, and others) initiated search efforts.

On the second or third day, about two kilometers downstream from the accident site, a floating corpse was sighted, which has been captured on video. Family members also confirmed that the floating body was indeed that of Aqsaad Khaliq.

Eleven days later, as of June 10, Aqsaad Khaliq’s body has yet to be recovered. In this dire hour, the district of Kotli, and indeed all of Azad Kashmir, are mobilized along the riverbank from Gulpur to Mangla Dam, engaged in the search for Aqsaad.

We appeal to the generous individuals to contribute generously to the financial assistance of Aqsaad Khaliq’s family. It should be noted that one of Aqsaad’s brothers died in a road accident six months ago, leaving the family in severe financial distress.

For any financial or other assistance, please contact Aqsaad Khaliq’s cousin, Muhammad Arshad (Contact number: 03498258848), and paternal uncle, Muhammad Idris (Contact number: +92 346 5001372), and extend your support to alleviate the hardships of this family. Thank you.