Inquest Reveals Drowning of Pakistani Sisters on UK Varsity Hike

LONDON: An inquest has revealed that two sisters from Rawalpindi, Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, tragically drowned on June 11 while visiting Eryri National Park in North Wales with their university friends.

The sisters were found in water pools along the Watkin Path, a popular route to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon.

Their funeral prayers took place in Northern England on Tuesday evening, with their remains returned to Pakistan the following day.

Having arrived in the UK four months ago to pursue master’s degrees at Chester University, the sisters were originally from Kahuta and were raised in Gulzar-e-Quaid, Rawalpindi. They were residing in Maltby, Rotherham at the time of their passing. Hajra was married to Hasham Minhas, and they had two young sons, ages six and three.

A family member expressed their grief to Geo News, saying, “The family is devastated. There are conflicting accounts from the police and the university. The police indicated that one sister drowned, and the other perished while trying to save her, but one sister’s body was found floating while the other was located ten minutes away. Witnesses said they both entered the water together, yet the police have not provided any updates and are not assisting the family.”

Assistant coroner for north-west Wales, Sarah Riley, stated, “Hajra and Haleema traveled to the Nant Gwynant area with their university friends. They entered the water and, sadly, both lost their lives to drowning.”

The inquest was informed that the University of Chester students were identified by a friend.

Riley added, “Investigations are ongoing regarding the circumstances of their deaths, leading to the adjournment of the inquest to allow for further examination. My heartfelt condolences go out to their family, friends, and everyone who knew and cared for them.”

The inquest hearing took place at the Dafydd Orwig Chamber in Caernarfon, and both women were pronounced dead shortly before 11 PM on June 11.

A spokesperson for North Wales Police confirmed they received a call around 9:30 PM reporting one woman had been rescued from the water while another remained missing. The second woman was later found but was declared dead at the scene. A mountain rescue team from Llanberis, along with an air ambulance and coastguard helicopter, were dispatched to assist.

Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, stated, “The University of Chester community is mourning the untimely loss of Haleema and Hajra. We extend our deepest sympathies to their families and friends during this profoundly challenging time. Haleema and Hajra joined Chester Business School earlier this year to pursue a Master’s in International Business. Their presence touched many lives here at Chester, and they will be sorely missed.”