Sialkot police on Sunday said they had arrested six people linked to managing a mehndi and prize-distribution gathering after a stampede at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road left two people dead and 18 injured.
TikToker Muhammad Ansar Jatt, known as “Mr Pattlo”, had announced the Friday-night event. Hundreds gathered at the sports ground. According to District Police Officer Dost Muhammad, organisers had drawn a large crowd by advertising a lucky draw with motorcycles, a car and other prizes on social media. When an announcement over loudspeakers told everyone to enter at once, a severe crush followed as the gates opened.
What police say happened
Rescue 1122 had earlier reported one death and 13 injured. Residents said more people were hurt because many were taken to nearby hospitals by other attendees. On Sunday, the district police public relations officer confirmed that one of the injured later died at a government hospital, bringing the death toll to two, and that police put the number of injured at 18.
Police said Jatt left the scene soon after the incident and that investigation and raid teams are trying to arrest him. Officers also took into custody 50 motorcycles and a car that were meant for Friday’s lucky draw. DPO Dost Muhammad, a retired captain, said further teams have been formed to find remaining suspects using modern tools, human sources and ordinary policing methods.
He said organisers broke the terms of their permit and safety standard operating procedures (SOPs — basic rules for keeping crowds safe). The stampede also blocked traffic on the main Daska–Sialkot Road. Police noted reports of unruly behaviour and damage to public and private property. “Negligence regarding safety arrangements at any public gathering or event which puts human lives at risk cannot be permitted,” the DPO said, adding that legal action would follow against all those responsible, without discrimination.
NOC revoked and FIR filed
A Sialkot district administration spokesperson said a no-objection certificate (NOC — written clearance to hold an event) had been issued to the TikToker for a mehfil-i-samaa, a gathering for devotional music or poetry, during a private event inside an enclosed space in Daska. The NOC said the programme was to start after Isha (night) prayers on Friday. Reports of problems with arrangements came as early as 4pm. Deputy Commissioner Awais Mushtaq then cancelled the NOC. The spokesperson said the event was stopped before it could begin because the stated conditions were not being followed.
An FIR was registered at Motra Police Station on the complaint of Inspector Mubeen Ahmed. It names Jatt, his brother, the owner of Faraz Cricket Ground, six other organisers, and about 40 to 45 unidentified security guards. The case cites Pakistan Penal Code sections covering causing death by a wrongful act, disobedience of a public order, rioting, unlawful assembly, damage to a public road, mischief prepared to cause hurt, and abetment, plus Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
The inspector alleged breach of the district administration permit and safety SOPs, misuse of loudspeakers, blocking of a main road, damage to citizens’ motorcycles, and loss of life and property. The FIR also says weak security let a large crowd into Faraz Sports Stadium, and that dozens of attendees later reported missing phones, cash and documents taken by unidentified pickpockets.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- Friday, from about 4pm: District administration receives reports of irregularities; Deputy Commissioner Awais Mushtaq revokes the NOC for the Daska gathering.
- Friday night: Stampede at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road during the mehndi and prize event after a call for simultaneous entry; Rescue 1122 initially reports one dead and 13 injured.
- After the crush: Police say Jatt fled; 50 motorcycles and a car set aside for the lucky draw are taken into custody; traffic on Daska–Sialkot Road is disrupted.
- Sunday: Police confirm a second death at a government hospital, put injuries at 18, announce six arrests of people who managed the event, and continue the hunt for Jatt and others named in the Motra FIR.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Sialkot mein mehndi aur prize wale event par bheer mein stampede ho gaya. Do log jaan se gaye aur police ke mutabiq atharah zakhmi hue. Police ne chhe log pakre hain, lekin TikToker abhi pakra nahi gaya. Aisi badi mehfilon mein safe entry aur security ke baghair jaana khatre mein daal sakta hai.
