Suspected Toxic Pizza Kills 2 Gujranwala Girls

Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan – A heartbreaking incident has shaken Eminabad, Gujranwala, where two young girls, aged 7 and 4, have tragically died after eating suspected toxic food, reportedly pizza, during a birthday celebration. Their father, international Kabaddi player Naveed Pehlwan, and two other children are currently receiving treatment in a hospital after also falling severely ill.

The family had ordered food for a birthday party on Sunday night. Shortly after eating, Naveed Pehlwan, his wife, and their five children began to feel unwell and were rushed to the Gujranwala district headquarter hospital. Sadly, Noor Fatima (7) and Jannat (4) passed away.

Investigation Underway

The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has responded swiftly. Under the direction of PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid, food safety teams immediately launched a crackdown in Eminabad. Following information from the grieving family, two suspected food outlets have been sealed.

Crucially, various food samples, including cake, cream, red chilli powder, cooking oil, and chicken, have been collected from the sealed outlets and sent to a laboratory for detailed analysis. A PFA spokesperson stated that further action will be taken once the laboratory reports confirm the exact cause of the poisoning. Police are also conducting their own investigation.

Persistent Food Safety Concerns

This devastating event underscores persistent concerns about food safety and hygiene standards in Pakistan. The Punjab Food Authority has reiterated its commitment to taking strict action against any food outlets found to be compromising public health, in accordance with the country's food safety laws.

Tragically, this is not an isolated incident. Just last week, a woman in Rawalpindi was in critical condition after her three children died due to suspected food poisoning. In April, approximately 1,500 people were affected by food poisoning in Gujar Khan. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring safe and healthy food for all citizens across Pakistan.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant about food hygiene and to report any suspicious food outlets or practices to the relevant food safety authorities.

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