Three children die in Pakistan's Punjab after being fed 'toxic sweets'

At least three children from the Christian community died in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province, after allegedly consuming poisoned sweets.

According to police and district authorities, eight children were playing outside their homes in the Qila Sahib Singh area of Hafizabad when an unidentified individual reportedly gave them the tainted sweets.

Deputy Commissioner Abdul Razzaq and District Police Officer Atif Nazir told the media that the children fell seriously ill after consuming the sweets. They were rushed to DHQ Hospital in Hafizabad, where three were pronounced dead. The remaining five were shifted to the Children’s Hospital in Lahore for specialized medical treatment.

The victims were all aged between 5 and 10. Families recalled the distressing moment their children returned home visibly unwell and in rapidly deteriorating condition, and they were sent to hospital for immediate treatment.

Authorities have yet to determine whether the poisoning was a targeted attack based on the victims' minority status. The families have not made any such claims so far either.

Minister seeks swift action

Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora visited the hospitalized children in Lahore, instructing medical staff to provide the best possible care.

He also directed the Hafizabad district police officer to submit a comprehensive report on the incident.

Calling for the immediate arrest of those responsible, the minister stressed that the perpetrators must be held accountable.

“The protection of innocent children must be ensured at all costs,” he said.