Pakistani sisters drown in North Wales national park

Two Pakistani sisters studying in the UK have drowned in a tragic incident at Eryri National Park, North Wales, prompting an outpouring of grief and calls for greater clarity from authorities.

Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, both postgraduate students in International Business at the University of Chester, were pulled from the Watkin Pools in the Nant Gwynant area last week.

The sisters, originally from Kahuta near Rawalpindi, had arrived in the UK four months ago and were residing in Maltby, Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

An initial inquest hearing held at the Dafydd Orwig Chamber in Caernarfon confirmed that both women died due to drowning, as reported by BBC.

The incident occurred on 11 June, when North Wales Police received reports that one woman had been pulled from the water and another was still submerged. Both were pronounced dead at the scene shortly before midnight.

University of Chester Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons expressed deep sorrow, saying the sisters had “touched the lives of many” within the university community.

The Pakistani community in the UK has also reacted with shock, with vigils held and community leaders demanding transparency around the circumstances of the deaths.

The women’s funeral prayers were held in northern England on Tuesday, and their bodies were flown back to Pakistan on Wednesday.

Hajra Zahid was married and leaves behind two young sons, aged six and three.

A local journalist shared her husband’s reaction on X (formerly Twitter), who had asked for further investigation by UK government in the tragedy.

The tragedy has also reignited scrutiny over safety measures at the Watkin Path, a popular but remote route to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Authorities continue to urge caution for those visiting mountain pools, particularly late in the day.

The inquest has been adjourned as investigations continue.