In a harrowing and tragic occurrence, a financially struggling man reportedly slaughtered his wife and seven young children in Punjab province, citing his inability to provide for them any longer as the reason, as stated by police authorities. The accused, Sajjad Khokhar, eking out a living as a labourer, admitted to the act due to his dire economic circumstances.The brutal incident took place in Alipur, Muzaffargarh district, approximately 350 km from Lahore, where Khokhar used an axe to end the lives of his wife Kausar, 42, along with their four daughters and three sons, aged between eight months and 10 years. Police reports indicate that Khokhars mental state had been deteriorating due to ongoing financial troubles, leading to frequent arguments with his wife.Authorities swiftly took action, arresting the perpetrator and registering a case against him. Khokhar, in his confession, attributed his horrific actions to the despair of being unable to provide sustenance for his children any longer. Meanwhile, Punjabs chief minister, Maryam Nawaz, expressed sorrow over the tragic event and demanded a detailed report from law enforcement.The backdrop of this horrific event is set against Pakistans severe financial crisis, marked by soaring inflation, sluggish economic growth, and unsustainable debt burdens. The country, grappling with financial challenges, recently reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the disbursement of the final tranche of $1.1 billion from a $3 billion standby arrangement.
