Woman killed in alleged stone attack by in-laws

Victim had complained of abuse a day before incident, says father

DERA GHAZI KHAN:

A domestic dispute turned deadly in Dera Ghazi Khan, where a young woman was allegedly killed by her brothers-in-law following an ongoing family conflict, police said on Monday.

According to officials at Rakni Police Station, the incident occurred in the Rakni area, where tensions within the household reportedly escalated into violence.

The victim, identified as Zaida Bibi, a mother of a 15-month-old child, was allegedly attacked with stones by her brothers-in-law over disputes involving her mother-in-law.

Police sources said the accused, Amanullah, Liaqat Ali and Jamalan, allegedly assaulted the woman after frequent arguments between her and her mother-in-law. She sustained critical injuries in the attack and died at the scene, while the suspects fled.

Upon receiving information, police rushed to the site, completed legal formalities and shifted the body for post-mortem examination.

A case has been registered on the complaint of the victim's father, Amir Bakhsh, and raids are underway to arrest the accused.

Speaking to police, Amir Bakhsh said his daughter had visited her parental home a day before the incident and complained of alleged abuse and violence by her husband and in-laws.

"She refused to return, but we persuaded her and took her back," he said.

He added that shortly after dropping her at her in-laws' house, they heard noise and returned, only to find that she had already died.

The grieving father has appealed to Maryam Nawaz Sharif to take immediate notice of the incident and ensure the arrest of those responsible.

Police said further investigation is underway and efforts are being made to apprehend the suspects.

Domestic violence against women in not uncommon in Punjab.

At least 85 women face violence daily in Punjab, including an average of nine who are sexually assaulted, according to a biannual report released by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO).

The findings, based on data collected through the Right to Information (RTI) from Punjab Police, highlight disturbing trends of gender-based violence, with more than 15,000 cases reported between January and June 2025.