IHC grants Mr Patlu protective bail until 10 November in Sialkot stampede case

ISLAMABAD: TikToker Muhammad Ansar Jatt, known online as Mr Patlo — also spelled Mr Patlu — has been given temporary legal cover by the Islamabad High Court in the case over the deadly stampede at his mehndi celebration in Sialkot. Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar granted him protective bail until 10 November on Tuesday, which means he cannot be arrested in the meantime while he goes to the relevant court in Sialkot to seek further relief. The court made it plain that this is not a decision on the merits of the case — it is neither an acquittal nor a verdict on the allegations.

A wheelchair appearance and a five-minute hearing

Ansar was brought before the Chief Justice in his chambers at 1:40 pm in a wheelchair, and the hearing lasted barely five minutes before protective bail was granted. He left the chambers the same way he had come in. When a journalist asked him whether he regretted what had happened, he said nothing, raised his hands, and walked on without answering. His petition was filed by Barrister Qasim Nawaz Abbasi and Barrister Raja Ali Abbas Jalap, who argued that the High Court could grant him protection so he could reach the court of competent jurisdiction without being arrested first. Counsel also raised apprehensions about his arrest; that was the defence’s argument, and no judicial finding has been made on it.

The night at Faraz Ground that started it all

The case goes back to the night of 31 October at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road in Sialkot, where Ansar’s mehndi and prize-distribution ceremony drew thousands of people. He had announced on social media that those attending stood to win Rs20 million in cash, a car, 50 motorcycles and mobile phones. When the stadium gates opened, the crowd surged forward and a stampede followed, killing two people and injuring 18. Muhammad Aqeel, 30, from Budha Goraya, died at the scene, while Muhammad Rehan died on Sunday after being treated at a hospital in Lahore. An FIR was registered at Motra Police Station on 31 October, naming Ansar, his brother Kashif Bashir, Faraz Ground owner Shahid Javed, six other people and 40 to 45 unidentified security guards, on charges including culpable homicide, unlawful assembly and rioting.

What happens next — and relief for his brother too

According to Samaa’s account of the written order, the protective bail will automatically cease at the end of court hours on 10 November, so Ansar must appear before the relevant court in Sialkot before then, where the main case will be heard. His brother Kashif Bashir has separately been granted interim pre-arrest bail by a Sialkot court until 9 November. Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari has said the TikToker promoted his wedding celebrations excessively and announced a large-scale prize draw, drawing thousands of people into an uncontrollable gathering. She said a no-objection certificate had been issued for the event, but external security was the administration’s responsibility and internal arrangements were the organisers’, and an investigation is under way.