Post‑mortem of 15‑year‑old Waseem Abbas shows fatal head trauma

The first autopsy report on 15‑year‑old orphan Waseem Abbas, who was struck by a vehicle in Multan, was released on Wednesday. The examination revealed a severe head injury that caused extensive brain damage and ultimately led to his death. In addition, the report noted a fracture of the spinal bone, bruises and abrasions on his arms and other areas, and significant damage to the left side of his head and face. Fractures were also identified in his upper jaw and nasal bones, while an abrasion was observed on his right knee.

In a related development, the primary suspect in Waseem’s death, Touqeer Nazir, was killed during an alleged encounter with Punjab’s Crime Control Department (CCD) on Wednesday, officials said. According to CCD statements, Nazir had fled police custody in Multan, prompting a manhunt. CCD personnel attempted to stop two motorcyclists near the Northern Bypass in Bahawalpur; the suspects allegedly opened fire while trying to escape. One of the men was shot dead and later identified as Nazir. Police have not released further details about the incident.

Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari described Waseem’s death as a tragic event that has shocked the community. In a post on X, she reiterated that women and children are Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s “red line” and warned that such crimes would not be tolerated in Punjab. Bokhari provided background on the victim, noting that he was from Muzaffargarh, lost his father at a young age and whose mother later married a man named Jafar. All three of Waseem’s siblings were placed in an orphanage; his sister left the facility six months ago to live with their mother, while one brother remains there.

According to the minister, Waseem had been assigned to a contractor, Touqeer Nazir, about a week before the fatal incident to learn electrical work. On October 19, Waseem allegedly fled after being mistreated at the work site. Nazir and an associate, Amjad, are said to have pursued him in a car for roughly one kilometre before running him over.