Punjab government asks for report after pregnant woman set on fire dies in Ferozewala

Punjab Women 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 by her official, the victim suffered around 70% burns on her face, arms and body and was five months pregnant.

It added that the police said they were not informed directly about the incident and were alerted by the hospital authorities, after which the trial was initiated. The statement said a case was registered on the basis of the victim’s video statement and the nominated suspect – mother-in-law – has been 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 directed that those involved in crimes against women should be brought to justice and punished exemplarily.”

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

“Delays or negligence in delivering 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 lamented that impunity was the norm in cases where the perpetrators should be given the most severe punishments according to the law.