A stampede at a wedding event in Sialkot left one person dead and 18 others injured. Police
have arrested six suspects in connection with the incident. The incident took place at Faraz
Cricket Ground on Daska Road during a wedding function.

According to a police spokesperson on Sunday, the deceased was identified as Aqeel, son of
Bashir Ahmed. The injured people were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals by Rescue 1122
teams. They received medical treatment and were later discharged from the hospitals.
Police registered a case at Motra Police Station under FIR No. 1335/26. The case was filed on
the complaint of SHO Inspector Mubeen Ahmed Cheema against nine nominated individuals
and 40 to 45 unidentified security guards.

The nominated suspects include event organiser Ansar Mahmood, also known as Mr Patlu.
Other named individuals include Kashif and ground owner Haji Shahid Javed. The remaining
nominated suspects are Daniyal, Munir Ahmed, Mohsin Ali, Irshad Ali, Abdullah, and Zohaib
Mansha.

The case has been registered under several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). It also
includes Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).

According to the initial police investigation, the event organisers had announced a lucky draw on
social media. The prizes included cars, motorcycles, and other valuable items. This
announcement attracted a much larger crowd than expected.

The situation became dangerous when an announcement was made through the loudspeaker.
Participants were asked to enter the ground at the same time. As a result, people rushed
towards the entrance and a stampede occurred.

Police said the organisers failed to follow important safety rules and event permission
conditions. Their negligence also caused public disturbance and damage to public property.
Heavy traffic blockages were reported on the main Daska-Sialkot Road.

District Police Officer (DPO) Sialkot Captain (Retired) Dost Muhammad personally supervised
the rescue operations. He ensured that roads were cleared for ambulances and helped manage
the crowd with the support of police and Elite Force personnel.

The DPO said that negligence regarding public safety would not be tolerated. He also promised
that legal action would be taken against all responsible individuals without discrimination.
Police have arrested six suspects so far. Raids are continuing to arrest the remaining suspects
who are still at large. Authorities have assured that the investigation will continue and those
found responsible will face legal action.

Source: Sialkot District Police, as cited through the official police spokesperson’s statement in
the supplied news report.

Fatima Khan