Addict beats his kids after failing to get drugs

PATTOKI:

A man allegedly subjected his three minor children to severe torture in Pattoki's suburban area of Chak 20 after reportedly failing to obtain drugs, police and local residents said on Friday.

The incident sparked outrage after a video showing the injured children went viral on social media. The suspect, identified as Taj Muhammad, fled the scene following the circulation of the footage.

According to residents, Taj Muhammad, a father of six, is allegedly addicted to drugs and frequently subjected his family members to violence.

Locals claimed that he had previously assaulted his wife, Parveen Bibi, causing fractures to her arm and leg, and allegedly forced her into begging to support household expenses and his drug addiction.

Residents said Parveen Bibi had gone to a toll plaza in Pattoki to beg, as per her daily routine, when the suspect allegedly turned violent against the children after failing to obtain drugs.

Passersby reportedly rescued the children after hearing their cries and screams.

The viral video allegedly showed visible marks of torture on the children's bodies, triggering widespread anger among citizens and social circles.Following the circulation of the footage, police at Saddar Pattoki Police Station registered a case and launched an investigation.

Citizens and civil society representatives urged higher authorities to ensure the immediate arrest of the accused and take strict legal action to provide justice to the children and prevent similar incidents in the future.