Punjab govt seeks report after pregnant woman dies from being set on fire in Ferozewala
Preliminary findings suggest that gas had leaked and accumulated inside a closed room, creating a combustible environment. PHOTO: PIXABAY
Punjab Women Protection Authority Chairperson Hina Pervez Butt on Wednesday sought an immediate report from the Sheikhupura district police chief after a pregnant woman allegedly set on fire by her mother-in-law died from severe burns in Ferozewala.
According to a statement from her offcie, the victim suffered around 70% burns to her face, arms and body and was five months pregnant.
It added that the police said they were not informed directly about the incident and were alerted by hospital authorities, after which legal action was initiated. The statement said a case was registered on the basis of the victim’s video statement, and the nominated suspect — the mother-in-law — has been arrested.
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Reacting to the incident, Butt said: “Violence against women will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Setting a pregnant woman on fire is the worst form of brutality, and such criminals deserve no leniency. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has clearly directed that those involved in crimes against women must be brought before the law and given exemplary punishment.”
شیخوپورہ میں خاتون کو مبینہ طور پر جلا کر مارنے کا واقعہ انتہائی افسوسناک ہے، وزیراعلی مریم نواز نے اس واقعہ کا سختی سے نوٹس لیا ہے۔ وزیراعلی کی ہدایت پر میں نے ڈی پی او شیخوپورہ سے رپورٹ طلب کر لی ہے۔پولیس نے نامزد ملزمہ ساس کو گرفتار کر لیا ہے۔ متاثرہ خاندان کو مکمل قانونی… pic.twitter.com/rVBJ1qk0Vq
Butt said the Punjab Women Protection Authority would monitor the case and provide all possible legal assistance to the victim’s family.
“Delays or negligence in delivering justice will not be tolerated. A safe Punjab for women is our commitment,” she said.
Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Sherry Rehman also strongly condemned the incident, saying there should be "zero tolerance for such barbaric crimes".
She lamented that impunity was the norm in cases where the perpetrators should be given the strictest punishments according to the law.
I strongly condemn the shocking, heinous burning of a five-month pregnant woman in Sheikhupura. There must be zero tolerance for such barbaric crimes, yet impunity is the norm in cases where the perpetrators should be given the strictest punishments according to the law. Timely…