One dead, over 13 injured in stampede at TikToker’s mehndi ceremony in Sialkot

SIALKOT: One person has died and more than 13 others were injured in a stampede at a TikToker’s mehndi and prize-distribution ceremony at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road. The incident happened on Saturday night, the moment organisers opened the ground’s gates and the crowd waiting outside surged forward together.

Muhammad Aqeel, 30, dies on the way to hospital

According to Rescue 1122, 14 people were hurt in the initial crush. Among them was 30-year-old Muhammad Aqeel, whose condition was critical; he died while being taken to hospital. The rest of the injured were shifted to Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital, where most were discharged after first aid and a few remain under treatment. The injured are men aged between 22 and 51, from Narowal, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Khanewal, Okara, Sialkot, Gujrat and Bahawalpur.

A prize draw that pulled the crowd in

The ceremony belonged to Muhammad Ansar Jatt, a popular TikToker from Sialkot district known on social media as “Mr Pattlo”. A prize draw of cars and motorcycles had been announced for the evening, and the invitation to the public was open. That is why thousands had gathered outside the ground. As soon as the gate opened, the pushing began and several people fell to the ground.

Rescue had not been told in advance

Sialkot District Emergency Officer Engineer Naveed Iqbal said Rescue 1122 had not been informed in advance about a gathering of this size being planned at the cricket ground. After the incident, four ambulances and one motorcycle ambulance reached the scene. District Police Officer Dost Muhammad also arrived with a large contingent and Elite Force personnel, brought the crowd under control and made sure the rescue operation could proceed without interruption.

DPO blames organisers for opening the gates early

Speaking to Dawn, DPO Muhammad criticised the organisers for opening the stadium gates ahead of schedule. He noted that permission for an event of this kind falls under the district administration, and that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the police’s top priority. Police have registered a case against the organisers, and the DPO says all aspects of the incident will be examined and legal action taken accordingly. Two local residents, however, claim more than 40 people were injured, saying several of the hurt were taken to nearby private hospitals for first aid before the rescue teams arrived. That gap between the official count and the local claim is still unresolved.