Gujranwala pregnant woman allegedly assaulted over unborn daughter, newborn dies

A 24-year-old pregnant woman in Gujranwala has allegedly been subjected to severe domestic violence after her husband

GUJRANWALA:  A 24-year-old pregnant woman in Gujranwala has allegedly been subjected to severe domestic violence after her husband and in-laws learned that she was expecting a baby girl, with the premature newborn later dying shortly after birth.

According to the FIR, medical records and statements obtained in connection with the case, Arooj Amjad, also known as Arooj Fatima, was allegedly assaulted at her rented home in Wapda Town on September 29, 2026. Her father, Amjad Javed, is the complainant in the case.

Arooj was reportedly around five to six months pregnant with her second child. Her first child is a two-year-old daughter. Family members allege that she had faced repeated taunts and domestic abuse because she had not given birth to a son.

The latest incident reportedly began after Arooj underwent a routine ultrasound at a private clinic. According to the family, the examination indicated that she was expecting another girl. Her husband, Tayyab Manan, allegedly expressed anger and demanded that she terminate the pregnancy.

Arooj reportedly refused, after which an argument allegedly escalated into physical violence.

According to the FIR and the family’s account, she was allegedly dragged by her hair, thrown to the floor and repeatedly beaten. The family further alleged that she was kicked in the abdomen and struck on different parts of her body. She reportedly sustained injuries to her head, nose and mouth.

The woman was subsequently taken to Civil Hospital Gujranwala in critical condition. Medical examinations reportedly showed multiple injuries and abdominal trauma. Hospital records indicated reduced fetal movement and concerns regarding the pregnancy.

Doctors attempted to manage the pregnancy, but Arooj eventually delivered prematurely on October 2 or 3. The baby girl reportedly died within hours of birth. Medical records cited in the case reportedly linked the premature delivery to trauma, although the accused family has disputed this conclusion and called for an independent medical board.

Police have registered a case at Sadar Police Station and arrested Arooj’s husband, Tayyab Manan, who is reportedly on physical remand. The mother-in-law has not been arrested so far, with police saying that the investigation is continuing.

The accused family has submitted a counter-application, claiming that the baby had been medically well shortly before the incident and that the death may have resulted from a natural pregnancy complication. They have demanded an independent assessment of the medical evidence.

The case has raised serious questions about domestic violence, gender discrimination and the protection of pregnant women. Legal experts are expected to examine whether additional provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code relating to causing miscarriage, hurt and death should be included if the medical investigation establishes a direct connection between the alleged assault and the newborn’s death.

Arooj remains under medical care and is reportedly in need of continued treatment and psychological support.

Her father has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other authorities for justice, protection and medical assistance for his daughter and her surviving child.

The case has also renewed debate over violence against women because of the sex of an unborn child. Rights advocates have called for a transparent investigation, protection for the victim and accountability for anyone found responsible.

For Arooj’s family, the tragedy has left a mother recovering in hospital, a newborn daughter dead and a two-year-old child separated from her mother.

The case now awaits further investigation and legal proceedings to establish responsibility for the alleged assault and the circumstances surrounding the newborn’s death.