Woman Burnt Alive in Dhamial, Brother-in-Law Arrested for Murder

A horrifying incident unfolded in Rawalpindi’s Dhamial area when a 50-year-old woman was allegedly burnt alive by her brother-in-law. According to police, the victim was doused with kerosene and set on fire inside her home, a crime that was initially disguised as an accident. The accused first claimed the tragedy had occurred due to a compressor explosion, but investigations later confirmed it was an intentional act of violence.

The victim’s son, 23-year-old Mohammad Shahzad Ahmad Bhatti, filed the complaint after learning about the incident while at work. He received a call from his uncle, who informed him that his mother had been burnt and rushed to CMH hospital. On arrival, Shahzad found his mother in the emergency ward, severely injured and unconscious. His sister then revealed that a heated argument had taken place between their mother, Shahzia Farooq, and their aunt, Hajra Adeel. Hajra had allegedly threatened to kill them, before locking the house and setting their mother ablaze.

According to the FIR, neighbors heard Shahzad’s sister screaming for help and broke into the house, only to find their mother engulfed in flames while Hajra was reportedly changing her clothes. When questioned, Hajra insisted it was a compressor accident, but Shahzad stated that he had no doubt she deliberately set his mother on fire.

Police confirmed that family disputes and financial tensions were at the root of the conflict, as Shahzad’s father often had disagreements with Hajra over household expenses. These quarrels allegedly escalated into the brutal act of violence that ended in tragedy.

City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani immediately took notice of the case and ordered swift action. The accused was arrested, and a murder charge was registered. CPO Hamdani strongly condemned the crime, emphasizing that violence against women would not be tolerated under any circumstances and that strict legal action would be ensured.

This shocking case has once again highlighted the alarming rise in domestic violence incidents across Pakistan, where unresolved family disputes often turn into fatal tragedies. Women’s rights activists have repeatedly called for stronger preventive measures, awareness campaigns, and stricter implementation of laws to protect vulnerable women from such horrific violence.

The investigation into the case is ongoing, but the incident has left the community shaken. Neighbors who rushed to help described the scene as heartbreaking, stressing that the victim had been subjected to ongoing tension and threats before this deadly attack.

Authorities have assured that justice will be served, and the accused will face the full consequences of the law. The case stands as a painful reminder of the urgent need for stronger protections for women within households and communities, where domestic unrest can tragically escalate into violence and loss of life