Daska wedding stampede kills two, TikToker Mr Patlo among nine booked

SIALKOT / DASKA: A wedding celebration advertised on social media as a mega prize giveaway turned into a deadly stampede in Daska, leaving two people dead and at least 18 injured, while police have registered a case against nine nominated suspects, including TikToker Muhammad Ansar Mehmood, popularly known as Mr Patlo.

The incident has raised serious questions about crowd management, social media promotions and the enforcement of government permissions after it emerged that the event’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) had been cancelled hours before the gathering.

The deceased were identified as Muhammad Aqeel, 30, son of Bashir Ahmed, a resident of Baddha Goraya, who died while being shifted to hospital on October 31, and Rehan, 22, son of Arshad, from Gulotian Kalan, who succumbed to his injuries on November 1.

Rehan was reportedly a daily-wage labourer and the sole breadwinner of his family. His father had died two years earlier, leaving him responsible for supporting his mother and siblings.

According to Rescue 1122 and police, 18 people sustained injuries in the incident. The injured, aged between 22 and 51, belonged to several districts, including Sialkot, Gujranwala, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Khanewal, Okara, Gujrat and Bahawalpur. All 18 were discharged after receiving first aid at Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital in Sialkot. However, local sources claimed that more than 40 people had also sought treatment at private hospitals.

How the Wedding Celebration Turned Into a Stampede

According to the available documents, event organiser Muhammad Kashif, son of Bashir Ahmed, initially obtained an NOC from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Sialkot, through letter No. HC(G)/DC/SKT/8184 dated October 28, 2026.

The permission was reportedly granted for a private Mehfil-e-Sama and mehndi function inside Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road, after Isha prayers.

However, videos circulated on social media promoting an extraordinary giveaway, including 50 motorcycles, 50 tolas of gold, Rs5 million in cash, a car, refrigerators and dowry packages for 20 deserving girls through a lucky draw at Mr Patlo’s mehndi ceremony.

The promotional campaign attracted a large audience, with thousands reportedly beginning to gather at the venue from around 4pm on October 31.

According to a district administration spokesperson, violations of the NOC conditions were reported at approximately 4pm. Deputy Commissioner Sialkot Awais Mushtaq subsequently cancelled the permission through order No. HC(G)/DC/SKT/6405 dated October 31 and directed the relevant authorities and organiser to ensure compliance.

Despite the cancellation, a substantial crowd had already assembled.

The FIR alleges that announcements were made over loudspeakers urging people to enter the ground simultaneously, triggering a sudden rush. Several people reportedly fell and were trampled as the crowd surged forward.

The situation later escalated, with participants blocking the main Daska-Sialkot Road and damaging motorcycles and public property.

Nine Nominated, Six Arrested

An FIR was registered at Motra Police Station on October 31 at 9:50pm on the complaint of SHO Inspector Mobeen Ahmed Cheema.

Nine nominated suspects include Ansar Mehmood alias Mr Patlo, organiser Kashif, ground owner Haji Shahid Javed, Danial, Munir Ahmed, Mohsin Ali, Irshad Ali, Abdullah and Zohaib Munsha. The case also names 40 to 45 unidentified private security guards.

Police registered the case under Sections 322, 431, 440, 188, 109, 148 and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.

Police officials said six nominated suspects had been arrested, while raids were continuing to apprehend the remaining accused.

Why Section 302 Was Not Included

The absence of Section 302 PPC, which deals with intentional murder, has also prompted questions from members of the public.

The FIR instead includes Section 322, relating to Qatl-bis-sabab, or causing death through an unlawful act without necessarily establishing an intention to kill.

The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding both deaths, the alleged violation of administrative orders and the role of the event organisers and security personnel. Further legal action will depend on the available evidence and investigation findings.

Public Anger Over Prize Announcements

Speaking to Minute Mirror, some participants who had travelled from other cities expressed anger over the promotional campaign and the events that followed.

“Poor people’s poverty was turned into a joke. Where are the 50 motorcycles that were promised? The advertisements were used to make the event famous and generate social media earnings. People were treated like animals,” they said.

Mr Patlo’s Response

Responding to the allegations, Mr Patlo maintained that the gathering was a private family mehndi function for which permission had initially been obtained.

He said the prize-related videos had been misunderstood and exaggerated on social media, expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and offered cooperation with police and the district administration.

He also claimed that attendance exceeded expectations, making the crowd difficult to manage.

The tragedy has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of event permissions, proper crowd-control arrangements and accountability for organisers who promote large public gatherings through social media.