Bilal Kanjal

The unusual happening jolted district Layyah of South Punjab where a distressed father Tariq Ismail poisoned himself after strangling his five children to death due to domestic issues.

The regrettable incident took place in Chak no 341/TDA Chowk Azam, Layyah.

Sources said that Ismail, was affected from various domestic problems. He divorced his wife one and a half years back, alleging that she had a loose character. His children were under the supervision of their aunt. “The issue of supervision proved to be contentious between Ismail and his family,” his neighbor said.

Last words of Tariq before his death were, “My wife has left me and I have young children with me so I cannot live anymore”.

Disheartened thirty five years old Tariq Ismail after killing his 5 children-twelve years old Tayyaba, nine years old Tanzila, eight years old Shanza, six yeasr old Saba and eleven years old Tayyab- swallowed poison pills and died en route to the hospital. Postmortem of all bodies was done in the Tehsil Hospital, Chowk Azam.

The police sought help from the experts of forensic science laboratory and Crime Scene Unit of Punjab. They have started an investigation from different aspects.

Punjab Chief Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed sorrow and grief over the incident at Layyah. CM while extended sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family, has sought report of the sad incident from the administration.

DPO Layyah Muhammad Ali Zia said that the tragedy was caused due to domestic problems. He further stated that after his divorce, he was depressed and it took a toll on him.

In response to another question about the death of children, DPO Zia told that it appears that they died from strangling because a cloth was found from where the incident happened. “However, we’ll be certain after forensic report arrives,” he concluded.