LONDON: Two Pakistani sisters, Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, tragically drowned at Eryri National Park in North Wales on June 11, while visiting the Watkin Pools in the Nant Gwynant area.
The sisters, postgraduate students at the University of Chester, were pulled from the water by emergency responders, with one still submerged. Both were pronounced dead at the scene shortly before midnight.
Originally from Kahuta near Rawalpindi, the sisters had arrived in the UK four months ago and were living in Maltby, Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Hajra Zahid was married and leaves behind two young sons aged six and three.
An initial inquest hearing confirmed the cause of death as drowning. The local community in the UK has expressed shock and grief, with vigils held in memory of the women.
University of Chester Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eunice Simmons, paid tribute to the sisters, stating that they had “touched the lives of many” within the university community.
The incident has sparked calls for greater transparency from authorities, with local journalists sharing reactions from the women’s family. Hajra Zahid’s husband has requested further investigation into the tragedy, calling on the UK government to ensure clarity on the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The tragedy has raised concerns over safety measures at the Watkin Path, a popular route to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), where the accident occurred. Authorities continue to urge caution for visitors to the mountain pools, particularly during late hours.
The inquest has been adjourned as investigations into the deaths continue. The bodies of the sisters were repatriated to Pakistan on Wednesday after funeral prayers were held in northern England.
