SUKKUR: Eight participants of a mourning procession lost their lives, while at least 15 others were critically injured after sustaining electrical shocks after the Alam (flag) they were carrying came into contact with a high-tension electric wire, in Shikarpur district on Sunday.

The Alam-hoisting ceremony was attended by hundreds of people, and the unfortunate incident triggered chaos and a stampede in the gathering, as people tried to run to safety.

The ceremony was being held in the Bodo Walisabad village, located near Dakkhan town of Shikarpur district, as part of the 10-day mourning for the martyrs of the Karbala tragedy.

Onlookers said that as soon as the huge Alam was raised, those holding it started screaming in pain as the top of the flag came into contact with a high-tension line. Many others in the crowd also suffered electrical shock.

More than 15 received severe shock and injuries

According to area police, the Alam had actually lost its balance and tilted onto the 11,000-Volt transmission line. They confirmed that eight of the victims lost their lives and more than 15 others suffered severe shock and burns.

Rescue-1122 teams, police and a large number of locals took part in the relief work, started soon after the Alam was separated from the live cables. All the victims were transported to different nearby hospitals.

The deceased were identified as Hidayatullah, son of Zahoor Ahmed, Abdul Waheed, son of Mohammad Saiful, Mohammad Khalid, son of Hajan, Mohammad Zahid, son of Bhutto, Shafiq Ahmed, son of Mohammad Rafiq, Din Mohammad, son of Zaheer Ahmed, Arbab, son of Ehsan, and Mohammad Hassan, son of Gada Hussain — all belonging to the Lolai community.

Many of the injured people were stated to be in precarious condition and had to be referred to major hospitals in Shikarpur, Larkana and Sukkur for advanced treatment.

The tragedy cast a pall of gloom over the village and its surrounding areas.

An investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragedy was initiated.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar expressed his deep grief over the tragic incident.

In his statement, Lanjar extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery of the patients.

He directed the authorities concerned to ensure immediate provision of the best possible medical treatment to all the injured victims.

He also directed senior police officers to personally take care of the injured people and ensure every possible assistance to be extended to them and their families.

The minister asked the Shikarpur district administration, police and health department to coordinate closely in the rescue and relief efforts.

He has sought a comprehensive report on the incident from the relevant authorities without any delay.

Lanjar called for enhanced safety and security arrangements for Muharram processions, congregations and Alam installation sites across the province.

He called for extra caution on the part of the organisers of such gatherings, planned to be held close to electricity installations and high-voltage transmission lines.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2026