NAROWAL: Snakebites in Shakargarh claimed two lives and left five others injured over the past four days.

Tanveer Ahmed and Muhammad Bashir, both farmers, died after being bitten by poisonous snakes while working in their fields.

Rescue 1122 provided first aid to Tanveer, but he succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. Muhammad Bashir died instantly.

Hospital sources say five others, including Faisal Abbas, Khizr Hayat, Adnan Zafar, Hania Ejaz, and Sakhawat Ali, were also bitten by snakes and are undergoing treatment at local hospitals.

Residents urged the district administration to take immediate action to control the growing snake population by spraying insecticides.

Residents urge district administration to check growing snake population

Chief Executive Officer of the District Health Authority Dr Naveed Haider has assured that snake bite vaccines are available at all public hospitals and that patients are receiving treatment.

Citizens demand that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz take notice of the situation and provide adequate measures to prevent further snake bites.

INJURED: The Zafarwal deputy superintendent of police (DSP) suffered critical injuries after his official vehicle skidded during heavy rain and hit a wall here on Monday.

The Narowal district police spokesman said DSP Nasir Mahmood Pannu was on his way from Narowal to Zafarwal by an official vehicle. Owing to heavy rain, the vehicle skidded near Tapiala stop on Zafarwal road, ran out of control, and hit a wall.

A Rescue 1122 team reached the spot and shifted Nasir Pannu to District Headquarters Hospital Narowal after first aid.

According to the police spokesperson, the DSP sustained injuries on various parts of his body.

The Narowal District Emergency Officer of Rescue 1122, Naeem Akhtar, said the police official suffered rib fractures in the accident.

According to police sources, the Zafarwal police received information about the presence of a most wanted suspect in their area and the DSP was on his way to arrest him.

Due to the heavy rain and high speed, the vehicle skidded and hit a wall.

DSP Nasir is currently undergoing treatment at Narowal DHQ hospital.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2024