A devastating road accident in Pakistan has claimed the lives of two members from a well-known family in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo. Noreen Shafiq, 55, and her son, Umar Shafiq, 18, tragically lost their lives in a car and bus collision in the Faisalabad district, Punjab province last Thursday.
Noreen’s husband, Shafique, along with other family members, Tahime and Ambreen Shafiq, sustained injuries during the unfortunate incident. The family were visiting Tariqabad, Faisalabad at the time, en route to Gojra when the accident occurred. For over 15 years, the Shafiq family has been residents of Ballinrobe.
Damian Ryan, the local councilman, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending his heartfelt condolences to the grieving Shafiq family. Umar, who had just finished his Leaving Cert at Ballinrobe Community School several weeks prior, was well-known and popular, having been part of the Ballinrobe Town since he was about eight or nine years old.
Ryan revealed that the unfortunate accident has cast a shadow over the town and emphasised the family’s request for privacy during this difficult time.
Extending his sympathies to the Shafiq family, another local councilman, Michael Burke, assured that the community would provide every possible support to the family, describing the incident as profoundly heartbreaking.
The oratory at the local community school has been set up for students wishing to maintain a moment of silent prayer. The local football club, Ballinrobe Town FC, has also postponed its upcoming fixtures in respect of the Shafiq family.
Umar had carved quite a reputation in local sports. He was the goalkeeper of the Helen Johnson Mayo Under-18 Division Two Team of the Year in 2023, and he also represented Mayo on various occasions at underage level.
The tragic incident occurred when a private bus collided with the family’s car, which was driving from the opposite direction, reports Pakistan Point News.