NAROWAL: A motorcyclist died after falling into a rainwater drain from a broken bridge in Sialkot.

Five months ago, the Hanjali Bridge connecting Sialkot and tehsil Zafarwal had collapsed due to a high-level flood in the Nullah Dek. Traffic between Zafarwal and Sialkot was suspended due to the collapse of the bridge. Because the authorities did not construct a bridge over the rainwater drain, residents of Zafarwal and surrounding areas travelled an additional 15 to 20km to reach Sialkot.

On Sunday morning, 32-year-old Muhammad Luqman, a resident of Kangra village in district Sialkot, was riding his motorcycle to Zafarwal. He fell from the broken Hanjaliwala bridge, that the locals had constructed, into the Nullah Dek due to zero visibility due to thick fog. Luqman died on the spot after falling into the drain.

On receiving information about the accident, Rescue 1122 and Phulora Police Station personnel reached the spot.

Police took the body into custody and initiated legal action.

Hundreds of people had been facing difficulties for the last five months due to the collapse of the bridge connecting the two districts of Sialkot and Narowal.

The locals demanded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz take immediate notice and direct the authorities to construct the bridge.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2026