Punjab govt seeks report on death of pregnant woman set on fire 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 from his office, the victim suffered around 70% burns to her face, arms and body and was five months pregnant.

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

Read more: Woman tortured, poisoned and burned

Reacting to the incident, Butt said, “Violence against women will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Setting a pregnant woman on fire is the worst form of brutality, and such criminals do not deserve leniency. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has clearly indicated that those involved in crimes against women must be brought to book and given exemplary punishment.”

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

“Delays and negligence in the delivery of justice will not be tolerated. Our commitment is to achieve a safe Punjab for women,” she said.

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

He regretted that impunity was the norm in cases where perpetrators should receive the strictest punishments under the law.