A wedding celebration hosted by popular TikToker Mr Patlo, whose real name is Muhammad Ansar Jatt, turned into a tragic incident after a stampede broke out at his mehndi ceremony in Sialkot. The incident took place at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road, where a large number of people had gathered following an open invitation shared on social media.
The event had attracted considerable attention because of the prizes announced for attendees. These reportedly included 50 motorcycles, a car, cash prizes and financial assistance for the weddings of 20 orphaned girls. People from Sialkot and several other cities had travelled to attend the celebrations and participate in the prize draw.
However, the situation took a frightening turn when the crowd gathered outside the ground and a rush began as the gates opened. According to the police’s initial investigation, an announcement was made over the loudspeakers asking people to enter the venue simultaneously. This led to a sudden surge towards the entrance, leaving several people caught in the crowd. Some fell to the ground and were trampled as others continued pushing forward.
One of the victims, identified as Aqeel, a resident of Budha Goraya, lost his life in the incident. Another attendee, Rehan, who was initially among the injured, was shifted to Mayo Hospital in Lahore because of his critical condition. He eventually died due to the wounds, increasing the casualty figure to two. At first, the reports suggested that there were injuries to 13 or 14 people; however, the Sialkot police informed that there 18 injured people.
Rescue 1122 teams and police personnel reached the venue and shifted the injured to hospitals for medical assistance. The incident also caused disruption on the main Daska-Sialkot Road, while reports of disorder and damage to public property emerged.
Police Register Case Against Mr Patlo And Other Organisers
Following the incident, Sialkot police registered an FIR at Motra Police Station against Mr Patlo, his brother Kashif, the owner of Faraz Cricket Ground and several other event organisers. The case also names 40 to 45 unidentified security guards.
As per the police report, the organizers did not adhere to the safety measures and conditions associated with the approval of this program. This is evident from the fact that the FIR also states about lack of proper security arrangements, abuse of the speakers, blocking of the main street and causing damage to the public property.
The police have arrested six people in relation to the matter, but efforts to arrest the rest of them, including Mr Patlo, are still ongoing. They have taken possession of the 50 motorcycles and one car that was used for the lucky draw.
The case has been booked against various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code dealing with death due to negligence, disobeying lawful orders, rioting and unlawful assembly, apart from the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
Authorities Say Event Permission Had Been Cancelled
Another important aspect of the incident concerns the permission granted for the gathering. According to the Sialkot district administration, an NOC had initially been issued for a private mehfil-e-samaa and qawwali programme at the venue.
However, officials maintained that the permission was withdrawn before the event after reports of irregularities in the arrangements emerged. The approved programme was supposed to begin after Isha prayers on Friday, but the administration reportedly received information about activities taking place as early as 4pm.
Deputy Commissioner Awais Mushtaq subsequently revoked the NOC after reviewing the situation. Police have also alleged that the organisers continued with arrangements despite violating the conditions attached to the permission.
Mr Patlo Responds To The Allegations
Following the incident and the registration of the case, Mr Patlo shared a video statement in which he denied responsibility for the stampede and defended his decision to organise the gathering.
He maintained that he had obtained the necessary NOC and questioned why he was being held responsible for an incident that he described as unexpected. He also claimed that he was at a hospital when the stampede occurred.
Mr Patlo explained that his reason for organizing this event was to make people happy and assist those families who are facing financial hardships, as well as helping poor girls get married. Mr Patlo was frustrated with the way everything had been managed, and he believed that people who used to be very close to him have left him since the incident.
In the same video clip, he asked Field Marshal Asim Munir and the Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to help him in getting justice. He went on to state that his health condition had worsened to such an extent that he could not walk.
His account, however, differs from the district administration’s version regarding the cancellation of the NOC. The question of when the permission was withdrawn and whether the organisers were aware of the decision is now an important part of the investigation.
Investigation Continues As Two Families Mourn Their Loss
This incident has definitely sparked some very serious concerns regarding the preparation that was done in connection with this event, considering that it drew in a massive number of participants. In light of all the circumstances surrounding this event, entry management should have been put in place.
For now, two families are mourning the loss of their loved ones, while several others are recovering from their injuries. Police are continuing their investigation to establish exactly what happened and determine the responsibility of those involved in organising the gathering.
What began as a wedding celebration has now turned into a police investigation, with questions surrounding public safety, event permissions and the responsibilities that come with inviting large crowds to public gatherings.
Sources: Arab News, and MM News.
