In a heartbreaking incident in Chakothi, Azad Kashmir, two brothers drowned in the Jhelum River on Wednesday afternoon. The tragedy happened around 4:30 p.m. in Dharang village, which lies on the river’s right bank near the Line of Control in the Jhelum Valley district. Jhelum River drowning.
According to reports, 16-year-old Kashif, son of Mohammad Yaqoob, was devastated after failing several subjects in his matric exams. Unable to bear the disappointment, he jumped into the river near a newly installed chairlift.
Witnesses say Kashif’s older brother, 25-year-old Waqas Yaqoob, an army soldier. Who was home on leave, immediately jumped in to try and rescue him. Sadly, both were swept away by the river’s strong current before anyone could help.
Local volunteers and Rescue 1122 teams arrived quickly and searched the river at different points. Jhelum River drowning. Despite their efforts, the brothers could not be found by sunset. High water levels and fast currents made the search very difficult.
This is the second similar incident in the district this month. On July 15, a schoolteacher from Sawan village named Umar Uzair also ended his life by jumping into the Jhelum River. His body was found four days later, about 10 kilometers downstream.
These repeated incidents have raised concern among locals about growing mental health issues among the youth and the need for more emotional support and awareness.
The entire community is mourning the loss of the two brothers, whose lives ended far too soon.
