He brushed away the dirt, only to see her tiny hand move.
A baby girl who was buried alive in a graveyard in Nowshera, Pakistan, was miraculously rescued just in time, thanks to the intervention of locals and rescue teams.
The newborn, wrapped in a thin cloth and covered with dirt, was discovered on February 7, 2025.
Local people visiting another grave noticed movement in the soil and alerted Rescue 1122 immediately.
A viral video captured the moment when a man held the baby, believing she was dead.
He brushed away the dirt, only to see her tiny hand move.
Realising she was alive, the rescuers immediately lifted her and rushed her to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Among those deeply moved by the incident was Major Waqas, an officer of the Pakistan Army.
Major Waqas was undergoing training at the Risalpur training centre.
Upon learning of the heartbreaking case, he immediately visited the hospital.
Seeing the fragile newborn, he made the life-changing decision to adopt her.
Without hesitation, he filed the necessary legal documents and completed adoption formalities through a civil court.
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The story of the rescue and adoption spread rapidly on social media, with images of Major Waqas holding the baby.
The sight of the baby girl, now dressed in a warm yellow outfit and wrapped in a cosy blanket, warmed hearts across Pakistan.
In contrast to those by whom she was buried alive, rescue workers and officials could be seen cradling her gently and kissing her forehead.
Authorities are still investigating the case to identify those responsible for burying the infant.
This horrifying incident echoes ancient practices of female infanticide.
It is a dark tradition that persists in South Asia due to a strong cultural preference for sons.
In some parts of Pakistan, the practice of burying baby girls alive still occurs due to deep-rooted gender discrimination.
Many families, especially in rural areas, view daughters as a financial burden because of dowry traditions and limited economic opportunities.
Some believe that sons carry forward the family name and provide financial security, while daughters are considered liabilities.
This toxic mindset, fuelled by ignorance and patriarchal norms, leads to the inhumane killing of newborn girls.
Although the Pakistani government has laws against infanticide, weak enforcement and societal attitudes continue to allow these atrocities to happen.
Activists and organisations are working to change these perceptions by promoting women’s rights, education, and stricter legal actions against such crimes.
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