Hafizabad’s Kot Isaq case — How an alleged old enmity ended in an 18-year-old’s death

An alleged revenge attack arising from an old dispute has left an 18-year-old youth dead in Kot Isaq, Hafizabad, after he reportedly

HAFIZABAD:  An alleged revenge attack arising from an old dispute has left an 18-year-old youth dead in Kot Isaq, Hafizabad, after he reportedly suffered severe internal injuries and remained under treatment for several days.

According to police record and the First Information Report obtained by Minute Mirror, the victim was Ali Hassan alias Dhullo, son of Asghar Ali. The FIR alleges that he was subjected to severe physical abuse at an LPG refilling shop during an incident linked to an earlier dispute.

FIR details

The case was registered as FIR No. 444/26 at Police Station Vanike Tarar, Hafizabad, under the jurisdiction of Kot Isaq Chowki. The incident reportedly took place on September 13, 2026, at around 1pm, while the FIR was registered shortly after midnight on September 14.

The initial FIR included Sections 324, 285, 286 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Following the victim’s death, Section 302 is expected to be incorporated into the case, subject to the legal process.

According to the FIR, the victim was allegedly called to or overpowered at a local LPG refilling shop. The complaint names Muhammad Safdar, identified as the shop owner, and Ghulam Qasim as accused persons. The FIR alleges that the suspects subjected the young man to a brutal act involving an LPG gas filling pipe.

The most graphic details have been omitted from this report out of respect for the deceased and his family.

Five-day medical battle

Following the alleged incident, the victim reportedly developed severe abdominal swelling and was shifted to the Trauma Centre Hafizabad in critical condition.

Due to the seriousness of his condition and suspected internal injuries, he was subsequently referred to a tertiary-care hospital in Lahore. According to the medical information cited by the family, he remained in intensive care and on ventilator support for approximately five days before succumbing to his injuries.

Medical professionals consulted for the report said exposure of the human body to compressed gas under pressure can cause severe internal trauma and potentially life-threatening injuries. The exact medical cause of death, however, remains a matter for the treating doctors, medico-legal examination and post-mortem findings.

Family seeks justice

Ali Hassan, also known locally as Dhullo, belonged to a financially disadvantaged family in Kot Isaq. Local sources described him as a young daily wage worker who contributed to his family’s livelihood.

His death has left his family demanding legal action against those responsible. A family member told Minute Mirror that they wanted justice and punishment according to law rather than financial compensation.

Legal questions

Legal experts consulted for the report said the case could involve multiple criminal provisions depending on the investigation, medical evidence and subsequent findings.

They said the original attempt-to-murder charge would require reassessment following the victim’s death, while the alleged use of violence and circumstances of the incident could also be examined under other applicable laws. Any additional provisions, including those relating to terrorism, would require sufficient evidence to establish the legal ingredients of such offences.

Police investigation

Hafizabad Police has registered the case and initiated an investigation. Important questions include whether the nominated suspects have been arrested, whether the alleged crime scene has been secured, and whether forensic evidence has been collected.

Minute Mirror has sought the position of DPO Hafizabad regarding the investigation and the status of the accused. His response was awaited at the time of publication.

The case has also raised questions about safety and regulation of LPG refilling points operating in residential and commercial areas.

All allegations against the nominated accused are based on the FIR and statements available to Minute Mirror. The accused are presumed innocent unless convicted by a competent court.