IHC grants bail to TikToker Mr Patlu after deadly Sialkot stampede

The incident at his mehndi event left two people dead and 18 others injured. The temporary bail will protect him from arrest until November 10, allowing him to approach the relevant court in Sialkot.

Islamabad High Court grants temporary bail

Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar approved the protective bail on Tuesday. Jatt appeared before the court in a wheelchair and requested protection from arrest.

He had filed a petition through his lawyers, Barrister Qasim Nawaz Abbasi and Barrister Raja Ali Abbas Jalap. He asked the court to allow him enough time to reach the court with authority to hear the case without being arrested on the way.

The case was registered on October 31 at Motra Police Station in Sialkot. The FIR named Jatt, his brother, the owner of Faraz Cricket Ground, six other people and 40 to 45 unidentified security guards.

The FIR includes several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), covering offences such as causing death through negligence, damaging property, rioting, unlawful assembly and encouraging a crime. Section 16 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, was also included.

Lawyers challenge arrest risk

During the hearing, Jatt’s lawyers argued that the case was registered outside the Islamabad High Court’s territorial jurisdiction. They explained that protective bail was only needed to help him safely reach the relevant court in Sialkot.

“The merits of the case are not required to be examined at this stage,” the petition stated. It also argued that without temporary protection, Jatt would not be able to properly approach the Sialkot court for pre-arrest bail.

The petition described the allegations against him as “false, frivolous, and baseless”. His lawyers also told the court that he had no previous criminal record and had not filed a similar petition before another court.

After hearing the arguments, Justice Dogar approved the request. The court made clear that the relief was temporary and only intended to give him time to approach the appropriate court.

Deadly stampede at Sialkot mehndi event

The incident took place at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road during Jatt’s mehndi and prize-distribution event. Hundreds of people had gathered after the event was advertised on social media.

According to Sialkot District Police Officer Dost Muhammad, organisers promoted a lucky draw offering prizes, including motorcycles, a car and other valuable items. A large crowd arrived at the ground to attend the event and take part in the prize distribution.

Police said an announcement was made through loudspeakers, asking everyone to enter the ground at the same time. When the gates opened, the sudden rush of people caused a stampede, killing two people and injuring 18 others.

The police chief said the organisers had failed to follow the conditions of their event permit and required safety procedures. The incident also disturbed traffic on the main Daska-Sialkot Road.

Six suspects arrested as police continue investigation

Sialkot police arrested six suspects on Sunday over their alleged involvement in organising and managing the event. Police said Jatt had left the location immediately after the stampede, while teams were conducting raids to arrest those wanted in the case.

DPO Dost Muhammad confirmed that the six arrested individuals were involved in managing the event. He also warned that legal action would be taken against everyone found responsible, without discrimination.

The investigation is focusing on the organisers’ arrangements, crowd management and failure to follow safety rules. Police are also examining how the event was advertised and why such a large crowd was allowed to enter the stadium together.

The protective bail gives Mr Pattlo temporary relief from arrest, but it does not end the police investigation. He must approach the relevant court before the protection period expires.

The incident also raises serious questions about crowd management at public events. Organisers must make proper security arrangements and control the number of people entering a venue.

The loss of two lives shows how dangerous poor planning can become. The investigation will determine who was responsible for the tragedy.

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