Abandoned baby girl handed over for adoption

NOWSHERA: A newborn baby girl recovered after being buried alive in the Gumbat Shah Baba graveyard in Nowshera was handed over to a Pak Army officer for adoption.

Saqib Khan, a resident of Dagikhel, Nowshera, told reporters that he had gone to the Gumbat Shah Baba graveyard to offer fateha on his mother’s grave on January 25when he heard moaning sounds from a nearby grave.

Upon investigating, he said he found a newborn baby girl lying covered in a blood-stained inside a pit. He immediately informed his uncle, Advocate Ejaz Ahmad, who then alerted Rescue 1122.

He said that Emergency Officer Umar Farooq along with his team rushed to the graveyard and the baby was taken to the nursery ward of Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex, where her treatment was fully covered by hospital staff and luckily she survived.

During the baby’s hospital stay, multiple families applied for adoption of the girl. Hospital Director Dr. Kamran Hakeem formed a 10-member committee to oversee the adoption process.

Upon learning of the case, the Child Protection Unit, Mardan, filed a petition in the Child Protection Court, Nowshera, under Judge Kashif Dilawar, who took immediate action.

The judge ordered the hospital director not to hand over the baby to anyone and to present all records.

The Child Protection Officer, Umair Sajid, was directed to submit a detailed report within 24 hours along with all relevant documents.

The court also ordered the hospital staff to keep the baby in the nursery under strict protection and to ensure her well-being until further notice.

On February 1, twelve families were called to court for a special hearing, during which each applicant was individually interviewed.

After careful deliberation, the judge named the baby Abihya - a name that was originally given to Hazrat Fatima (RA) by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

After reviewing all applications, the judge granted custody to Major Hafiz Waqas and his wife, a lady doctor, on a surety bond of Rs2 million.

Judge Kashif Dilawar also ordered the Child Protection Officer Umair Sajid to send the baby’s DNA samples and forensic evidence to Lahore for further investigation. The forensic report will be submitted to the court to uncover the facts about the baby’s origin and to bring those responsible for this heinous crime to justice.