A horrific incident has emerged from the Sheikhupura district, where a newly married woman was allegedly burned alive by her mother-in-law for bringing insufficient dowry. The victim, Sana, succumbed to her injuries after battling for life for seven days.
According to ARY News, the incident occurred in Ferozewala, within the jurisdiction of Ferozewala Police Station, in the Haider Road area.
Sana had married Ghulam Mustafa seven months ago. She was divorced and the mother of a young child.
As per the FIR, the incident took place on January 19, when the accused, Asma Bibi, allegedly poured petrol on Sana and set her on fire.
While critically injured, Sana told her mother that her mother-in-law was responsible for the attack.
The victim’s mother, Rukhsana Bibi, said Sana sustained burns to her face, arms, chest, and nearly 70 percent of her body.
She was shifted to Lahore in critical condition, where she died on January 26 after remaining on ventilator support for seven days.
Police registered a case on the complaint of Sana’s brother, Mubarak Ali, and arrested the accused mother-in-law.
Following directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chairperson of the Punjab Women Protection Authority Hina Parvez Butt sought a detailed report from the District Police Officer (DPO) Sheikhupura.
Hina Parvez Butt stated that violence against women will not be tolerated under any circumstances. She termed the act as extreme brutality and said the accused deserves no leniency.
She assured full legal assistance to the victim’s family and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe Punjab for women.
Meanwhile, DPO Sheikhupura Bilal Zafar Sheikh assured that the accused would be punished strictly according to the law. He added that a thorough investigation is underway and all legal requirements will be fulfilled.