Six Dead, Dozens Injured in Thatta Bus Tragedy During Picnic Trip

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A weekend picnic turned into a heartbreaking tragedy early Sunday morning when a passenger bus carrying picnickers from Orangi Town plunged into a ravine near the Thatta Bypass, killing six people and injuring more than 30.

The victims included five members of Jamaat-e-Islami and their families, along with the bus conductor. The group had set out around 2:30 a.m. for Keenjhar Lake when the bus lost control near Gharo in District Thatta.

According to Jamaat-e-Islami officials, the deceased were identified as Asad Noor, Abdul Rauf Rehmat Ali, Bishar Khan Fareed, Arbab Safdar Hussain, Muhammad Abrar Anwar, and conductor Ihsanullah. Among them, Asad and Abdul Rauf, both residents of Sector 12 were cousins. The injured included UC-4 Orangi Chairman Ata-ur-Rabbi and Vice Chairman Karamat Ali, who were later discharged after receiving treatment.

The accident sent shockwaves through Orangi Town, where the victims lived. Funeral prayers for the deceased were held across different neighborhoods, attended by relatives, locals, and Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Amir Munim Zafar Khan.

Asad and Abdul Rauf were buried at the Sector 14 graveyard following funeral prayers at Arkan Ground. Bishar Khan’s rites were held near Brohi Hotel, while Arbab was laid to rest following prayers at Jamia Waheediya in Sector 8/5. Ihsanullah’s body was handed directly to his family, while the others were first taken to Alkhidmat mortuary and then moved to Edhi’s cold storage in Sohrab Goth before burial.

The tragic incident drew strong reactions from political leaders. MQM-Pakistan senior leader and MNA Syed Amin ul Haq expressed deep sorrow and urged the government to ensure full medical care for the injured. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also expressed condolences and directed Thatta authorities to provide immediate support to the victims’ families and ensure swift medical aid for the injured.