MIANWALI: In a deeply distressing incident highlighting entrenched gender bias, a couple in Mianwali allegedly killed their two-month-old daughter by drowning her in a water tank because they wanted a son, police said on Thursday.
Police say couple threw infant in a water tank and informed relatives that she had died of some disease. https://t.co/ewNUxRhbp8
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 6, 2025
According to officials at the Harnoli police station, a patrolling team led by ASI Syed Anwar received information about the suspicious death of an infant in Katianwala village. Police reached the house and recovered the body of the baby girl, identified as Palwasha, daughter of Shehzad and Salma.
Parents confessed to drowning infant
During preliminary questioning, police found that the parents were unhappy over the birth of a girl as they were desperately hoping for a male child. Investigators said the couple threw the infant into the household water tank and later informed relatives that she had died of an illness.
A murder case has been registered against both parents under Sections 302 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on the complaint of the ASI. The body was shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Piplan for autopsy. A doctor at the hospital confirmed that the cause of death was drowning.
Gender discrimination and poverty blamed
Local residents and officials say the case reflects long-standing social and economic issues in Mianwali, one of Punjab’s most underdeveloped districts. Despite previous incidents of gender-based killings being reported in the region, convictions remain rare due to weak prosecution, limited resources and social pressures.
Sociologists note that families in impoverished areas often consider sons as future breadwinners who can provide financial stability and support in old age. In contrast, daughters are viewed as a financial burden due to the illegal yet still widespread dowry system, as well as cultural expectations tied to marriage and inheritance.
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The strong cultural preference for male children — linked to preserving lineage, honour and family name — further contributes to gender discrimination and violence against newborn girls.
Low conviction rate fuels impunity
Police officials admit that although they now act as complainants in such cases to prevent settlements, the conviction rate remains extremely low. Many cases collapse due to lack of evidence, uncooperative witnesses or social pressure on families to withdraw statements.
Human rights activists have urged the Punjab government to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, expand awareness campaigns and improve prosecution standards to combat the alarming trend of gender-based violence against infants.
