“Riyasat Hogi Maa Jaisi” – but whose mother? father dies while trying to buy winter clothes for his children

A father stepped out of his home hoping to bring happiness to his children by buying them winter clothes. However, he never returned

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE/SIALKOT/DASKA: A father stepped out of his home hoping to bring happiness to his children by buying them winter clothes. However, he never returned, leaving behind a grieving wife and three young children struggling to imagine life without him.

The victim, 30-year-old Muhammad Aqeel, belonged to Budha Goraiya, Daska. A daily-wage labourer and the sole breadwinner of his family, he lost his life in a deadly stampede at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road during the Mehndi ceremony of TikToker Ansar Mahmood, popularly known as Mr Patlu, on October 31, 2026.

How the Tragedy Unfolded

According to police and hospital records verified by Minute Mirror, organisers had advertised a prize draw featuring 50 motorcycles, a car and cash prizes worth up to Rs20 million to attract participants. Although the stadium could accommodate approximately 10,000 people, an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 gathered at the venue.

The FIR registered at Motra Police Station (No. 1335/26) states that the crowd rushed towards the entrance after the gates were opened prematurely and a loudspeaker announcement instructed people to enter simultaneously. The situation quickly turned chaotic, resulting in a stampede.

Aqeel died during the incident, while another victim, 22-year-old Rehan Arshad, later succumbed to his injuries at Mayo Hospital Lahore on November 1. Around 17 to 18 other people were injured.

Police named nine suspects, including Mr Patlu, his brother Kashif and ground owner Haji Shahid Javed, alias Malik Faraz. Six people were arrested, while the main accused reportedly remained at large. The Islamabad High Court granted protective bail to Mr Patlu until November 10.

A Family Left Without Its Only Provider

Aqeel’s death has pushed his family into an extremely difficult situation. His wife, Tamseela, 30, is now raising three minor children without their father’s support.

Family members recalled that Tamseela had asked her husband not to leave home that morning because she felt uneasy. However, Aqeel explained that winter was approaching and he needed to arrange clothes for their children.

Those became his final words.

The family claims that only Rs2,000 was available at home when Aqeel died. They reportedly borrowed money to cover funeral expenses and expressed concerns over delays in receiving his post-mortem report.

Tamseela further claims that no elected representative, minister or government official has visited the family or offered meaningful assistance.

The State’s Promise Under Question

The tragedy raises serious questions about the government’s slogan, *“Riyasat Hogi Maa Jaisi.”* Punjab has several welfare initiatives, including BISP, the Widow Card, Himmat Card, Danish Schools and the Child Protection Bureau.

Yet, Aqeel’s widow and children appear to be waiting for the support these programmes promise.

Minute Mirror calls for immediate financial assistance, free education, winter clothing and psychological support for the three children, alongside priority housing assistance for Tamseela.

The government must also investigate administrative negligence, enforce accountability against those responsible and pursue lawful compensation for the victims’ families.

Aqeel left home hoping to buy sweaters for his children. Today, those children are left waiting for a father who will never return.

The question remains: If the state is a mother, who will become a source of protection for Aqeel’s three orphaned children?