IHC Grants Protective Bail to TikToker in Sialkot Stampede

IHC Grants Protective Bail to TikToker in Sialkot Stampede Case ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday granted protective bail to TikToker Muhammad Ansar Jatt, popularly known as 'Mr Pattlo', in a case registered after a stampede at his mehndi ceremony in Sialkot left two people dead and 18 others injured. Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar approved the protective, or transitory, bail until November 10, allowing Jatt time to approach the relevant court for legal relief. The TikToker appeared before the court in a wheelchair. Jatt had moved the IHC seeking protection from arrest before he could approach the court of competent jurisdiction. The petition was filed on his behalf by Barrister Qasim Nawaz Abbasi and Barrister Raja Ali Abbas Jalap. According to the petition, an FIR was registered against Jatt and others on October 31 at Motra Police Station. It named his brother, the owner of Faraz Cricket Ground, six other individuals and 40 to 45 unidentified security guards. The case was registered under Sections 322, 440, 431, 148, 149, 188 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code, read with Section 16 of the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960. During the hearing, Jatt's counsel acknowledged that the FIR had been registered outside the IHC's territorial jurisdiction. However, they argued that protective bail was sought only to enable a suspect within one court's jurisdiction to reach the court concerned without facing arrest en route. 'The merits of the case are not required to be examined at this stage,' the petition stated, arguing that denying protection would effectively deprive Jatt of the opportunity to seek pre-arrest bail before a Sialkot court. The petition described the allegations as false, frivolous and baseless and claimed that Jatt had been falsely implicated. It also stated that he had no previous criminal record and had not filed a similar petition before any other court. After hearing the arguments, Justice Dogar granted the temporary relief, allowing Jatt time to surrender before the appropriate forum. The case stems from a mehndi event and prize-distribution ceremony announced by Jatt for Friday night at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road in Sialkot. Hundreds of people gathered at the venue, where a stampede broke out as the stadium gates opened, leaving two people dead and 18 injured. Six suspects arrested On Sunday, Sialkot police announced the arrest of six suspects in connection with the incident, saying the individuals had been involved in managing the event. Police said Jatt fled the scene shortly after the stampede and that investigation and raid teams were conducting operations to apprehend him. District Police Officer Dost Muhammad said the organisers had used social media to invite large crowds by advertising a lucky draw offering prizes, including motorcycles, a car and other valuable items. According to the DPO, an announcement was made over loudspeakers directing all attendees to enter the ground simultaneously, triggering the stampede. He said the organisers had violated the conditions of their permit and established safety standard operating procedures. The incident also disrupted traffic on the main Daska-Sialkot Road. The DPO said legal action would be taken against all those found responsible, without discrimination.