Caernarfon, North Wales and Rawalpindi, Pakistan — An inquest opened today at Dafydd Orwig Chamber in Caernarfon to shed light on the tragic deaths of Pakistani sisters Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, who drowned during a hike along Watkin Path in Snowdonia’s Eryri National Park on June 11th. Both originally hailing from Rawalpindi but studying at University of Chester respectively before they were declared dead shortly before 11 pm after being discovered near Nant Gwynant plunge pools near Nant Gwynant.
North Wales Police report that two sisters from a university group ascending the scenic Watkin Path were part of an ascending to Snowdon’s summit via Watkin Path. Police and emergency services were alerted around 21:30 GMT after reports indicated two were missing in plunge pools at Afon Cwm Llan; later both women were located: one floating near the surface was declared dead upon recovery while the second recovered nearby pools was later also declared deceased and declared deceased shortly after (Sources: UK.news.yahoo.com, Geo.tv +6 LBC Co UK +6)
Assistant Coroner Sarah Riley confirmed the cause of death as drowning but adjourned the inquest for further inquiry into what led up to it. “Both had entered the water and unfortunately both died as a result of drowning,” according to Riley’s statements on imsecurities.pk and LBC.co.uk as well as geo.tv (plus 7).
Hajra and Haleema arrived in the UK four months ago to study master’s degrees at University of Chester and lived in Maltby, Rotherham. Both sisters were born in Kahuta but raised in Gulzar-e-Quaid, Rawalpindi; Hajra leaves two young sons aged six and three and her husband Hasham Minhas (LBC.co.uk/g/rbc, geo/tv, digitalphablet.com and digitalphablet/p/). For more details/photos please follow:LBC/couk/g/rbc_3356787495075889 +5
Colleagues and relatives describe the family as devastated, according to one relative who spoke to Geo News: “The family is devastated. Police and university are giving conflicting statements… Witnesses reported both people entering the water together yet authorities have given no updates” geo.tv = digitalphablet.com =+1 (one+1).
University and Community Response The University of Chester has expressed profound sadness. Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons offered condolences on behalf of all in Chester’s community; noting, in her statement: “Their presence touched many here at Chester… They will be sorely missed” digitalphablet.com + 5
Sisters described as warm and dedicated individuals were enrolled in the Master of International Business program and quickly formed close ties with classmates and faculty; digitalphablet.com’s +4 coverage offered additional insight. News.sky.com even covered them too with +4 coverage (Geo.TV for one).
Emergency Response and Rescue
A coordinated rescue effort involving North Wales Police, Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, coastguard helicopter, and air ambulance was swiftly initiated upon reports that two women had drowned before they were recovered by officers from North Wales Police, Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, coastguard helicopter, air ambulance, news.sky.com (+5), geo.tv (+5), independent.co.uk (+5) or other organizations was quickly initiated upon receiving this news report (5%).
Coroner Sarah Riley announced that the inquest has been adjourned pending investigations to ascertain if there was any risk warning signage or safety measures in place at the plunge pools, as authorities try to piece together whether this incident was simply tragic accident, or whether there are larger safety concerns at play here. digitalphablet.com
LBC.co.uk
and TheSun.co.uk each contain extensive coverage regarding reactions in Pakistan as well as funeral arrangements made for deceased family members of those killed in Pakistan.
Following funeral prayers held for their sisters on June 18 in Northern England by family and community members, their remains were brought back home to Pakistan on June 18. See geo.tv/+1 and digitalphablet.com/+1 for details.
Loved ones in Rawalpindi are organizing a national farewell service as grief spreads throughout their community and academic world.
Warnings for Hikers
Plunge pools along Watkin Path are popular spots for wild swimming, particularly among younger hikers looking for adventure. Officials regularly warn the public of strong currents, cold water temperatures and slippery rocks – as well as their strong currents, cold temperatures and slippery rocks – park authorities may post warnings or review accessibility to these natural pools in light of this tragedy.
What’s Next?
Once investigations are complete, an inquest will convene once more with a focus on safety protocols, risk communication and the circumstances leading up to two promising students drowning in Pakistan’s national parks. While their families mourn them tragically prematurely, their friends and academics await recommendations that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
If you plan outdoor activities in Snowdonia or similar landscapes, please take caution: stay on designated paths; watch for potential water hazards; and hike with awareness and caution.