RAWALPINDI; Rescue teams in Rawalpindi on Thursday recovered the body of a retired army officer who went missing earlier this week after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. The search continues for his 25-year-old daughter, who was also in the car at the time of the incident.
Retired Colonel Ishaq Qazi, aged between 62 and 64, and his daughter went missing on Tuesday when torrential rainfall led to severe urban flooding in parts of the twin cities. The two were travelling in a grey Honda near the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Phase 5 when their car became stranded due to heavy water accumulation on the road.
According to a statement from Sihala Police Station in Islamabad, as Colonel Ishaq attempted to restart the stalled vehicle, a powerful surge of water carried the car into a nearby drainage channel. Both passengers were swept away by the current.
District Emergency Officer (DEO) Sibghatullah confirmed on Thursday that the colonel’s body was recovered near the Soan River bridge. However, there has been no sign of his daughter, and rescue operations remain active.
“Parts of the vehicle, including the bonnet and a door, were found beneath the Soan River bridge,” the DEO said, noting that search operations have now extended into a third consecutive day.
The incident has underscored the dangers of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season. Flash floods and overwhelmed drainage systems frequently pose life-threatening risks during periods of intense rainfall.
Authorities have reiterated warnings to the public to avoid travel during heavy rains and urged residents to stay clear of flood-prone routes and water channels during storms.
