Punjab govt seeks report after death of pregnant woman set on fire in Ferozewala

Punjab Women’s Protection Authority chairperson Hina Pervez Butt on Wednesday sought an immediate report from the Sheikhupura district police chief after a pregnant woman allegedly set on fire by her mother-in-law died of severe burns in Ferozewala.

According to a statement from his office, the victim suffered approximately 70 percent burns to his face, arms and body and was five months pregnant.

He added that the police said they were not directly informed about the incident and were alerted by hospital authorities, after which legal action was initiated. The statement said a case was registered based on the victim’s video statement and the named suspect – the mother-in-law – was arrested.

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Reacting to the incident, Butt said, “Violence against women will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Setting fire to a pregnant woman is the worst form of brutality, and such criminals deserve no leniency. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has clearly ordered that those involved in crimes against women must be brought before the law and given exemplary punishment.”

Butt said the Punjab Women’s Protection Authority would monitor the case and provide all possible legal assistance to the victim’s family.

“Delay or negligence in the administration of justice will not be tolerated. A safe Punjab for women is our commitment,” she said.

Pakistan People’s Party Senator Sherry Rehman also strongly condemned the incident, saying there should be “zero tolerance for such barbaric crimes.”

She deplored that impunity is the norm in cases where perpetrators should be punished most severely in accordance with the law.