SAHIWAL: A woman and her daughter suffered severe burn injuries after her husband and brother-in-law allegedly doused them with petrol and set them ablaze in Shadman Colony on the afternoon of 5 June.
Rescue 1122 shifted the injured mother and daughter to Sahiwal Teaching Hospital for treatment. Eyewitnesses said the fire also destroyed household furniture and utensils before the suspects fled the scene.
Reports said Sobia Parveen, sister of complainant Muhammad Bilal and a resident of Vehari City, married Shaban Bhatti of Chak 65/5-L, Tehsil Sahiwal, around 15 years ago. The couple has five children.
Police said domestic violence had reportedly persisted throughout the marriage, with Sobia allegedly subjected to frequent abuse and severe beatings by her husband and brother-in-law. A few months ago, she left her husband’s home due to the continued violence and started living in a rented house near Shadman Chowk along with her children. She had been working as a domestic help to support the family.
On Friday, Shaban and his brother, Muhammad Azim, allegedly barged into the rented house, poured petrol on Sobia and one of her daughters, and set them on fire. The suspects also allegedly torched household belongings before escaping.
Neighbours informed Rescue 1122, which rushed the victims to Sahiwal Teaching Hospital.
Farid Town police registered a case against Shaban Bhatti and Muhammad Azim under sections 336, 324, and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code on the complaint of Muhammad Bilal.
Police had yet to arrest the suspects till the filing of the report.
Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2026
