Five-year-old Ayat Noor, who went missing in Haripur after leaving her home to play, has been found dead after a 15-day search. Her body was recovered from a well inside a warehouse near University Road, bringing the search for the missing child to a tragic end.
According to police, Ayat was allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted before being killed, with investigators saying her body was later disposed of in the well. The case began after Ayat left home and did not return, prompting her family to report her disappearance and police to begin a search operation.
Police used CCTV footage during the investigation to identify people allegedly connected to Ayat’s disappearance. Five suspects were identified, while three have been arrested so far. Police are continuing efforts to locate the remaining suspects.
According to police, the arrested suspects allegedly admitted before a magistrate that the child had been assaulted and that her body was later thrown into the well. The body was recovered based on information gathered during the investigation and was shifted to a hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Ayat’s disappearance had already caused anger and concern among residents, with her family and members of the local community demanding that authorities find her. Following the recovery of her body, the family and residents protested and called for swift action against those responsible.
Her funeral prayer was later offered at Khad Factory ground, where thousands of people gathered to mourn the five-year-old. The Haripur District Bar also announced a day of mourning following the tragedy.
Police have continued their investigation, while legal and medical proceedings are underway. The case has left the Haripur community grieving and renewed calls for accountability and justice for Ayat Noor.
Sources: Dunya News, Tribune, Tribal News Network
