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Pakistan probing village ordeal Pakistan probing village ordeal
(30 minutes later)
Pakistani officials are probing reports that a tribal council ordered a man to spend time in freezing water to prove that his son was innocent of stealing.Pakistani officials are probing reports that a tribal council ordered a man to spend time in freezing water to prove that his son was innocent of stealing.
Khuda Baksh had his hands and legs tied and was ordered to spend 10 minutes neck deep in a freezing pond in Punjab province, reports say.Khuda Baksh had his hands and legs tied and was ordered to spend 10 minutes neck deep in a freezing pond in Punjab province, reports say.
After he held out for only two minutes tribal elders imposed a fine.After he held out for only two minutes tribal elders imposed a fine.
Correspondents say trial by ordeal, though illegal, is common in parts of rural Pakistan.Correspondents say trial by ordeal, though illegal, is common in parts of rural Pakistan.
Khuda Baksh was also told to walk about 25 meters (80 ft) though the pond in Punjab's Lakha village, reports said.Khuda Baksh was also told to walk about 25 meters (80 ft) though the pond in Punjab's Lakha village, reports said.
Under tribal rules, village elders can order a person accused of minor crimes to walk on hot coals or through cold water, one report said. Under some tribal rules, village elders can order a person accused of minor crimes to walk on hot coals or through cold water.