Search for the missing teenage boy ended in tragedy as his body was located on May 27 (Monday) after a lengthy search operation on Margalla Hills Trail 5 in Islamabad, police said. The boy, who had gone hiking with friends over the weekend, was found after an extensive effort involving local authorities.
However, efforts are still underway to retrieve Taha’s body from the ditch, according to a police statement posted on X.
The 15-year-old boy, named Taha, had gone missing on May 25. His mother filed a missing person’s report at the Secretariat police station the next day.
Police sources revealed that Taha’s body was found in a ditch located between Pir Sohawa and Bari Imam. His uncle was able to identify the body. Nearby, Taha’s water bottle, mobile phone, and bag were found, but his phone had been switched off, preventing any contact.
The discovery of the body triggered an immediate response.
Officials from the police, including the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), were present, along with teams from Rescue 1122, the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), and the Wildlife and Forest Department.
Initial police investigations suggested that Taha might have slipped into the ditch and died. However, his father has claimed that Taha had been kidnapped after the hike.
“It seems as though the teenager lost his way and fell into the ditch after his foot slipped,” read the statement. “Further investigation is underway and a post-mortem of the body will be conducted to cover all aspects.”
The teenager, along with five classmates, embarked on a hike on Trail 5 around 7 am on Saturday (May 25). While his classmates returned home, the teenager, identified as Taha, did not. Taha’s family then initiated a search and alerted the Rawalpindi Rescue Helpline 15. According to the FIR, several police officers quickly arrived at the scene to assist in the search for Taha. Despite their extensive efforts, the search was called off as night fell without any sign of the missing teenager.
The tragic discovery occurred on Monday morning, with Forest and Environment Department staff locating the body. The police had launched an extensive search operation, employing drone cameras and Safe City surveillance in their efforts to find him.
Taha’s family, including his mother, rushed to the scene to confirm his identity.
Speaking to the media, Taha’s family shared their sorrow and frustration. They revealed that Taha was their only son and had been missing since 2 pm on Saturday. They described him as cautious, noting that he wouldn’t even go to the roof alone.