IHC grants protective bail to Mr Pattlo in Sialkot stampede case

TikToker Muhammad Ansar Jatt, popularly known as “Mr Pattlo”, appeared before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a wheelchair on Tuesday and secured protective bail until November 10 in a case registered after a stampede at his mehndi event.

IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar granted the relief, allowing Jatt time to approach the court having jurisdiction over the case without fear of arrest.

The incident took place on Friday night at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road, where Jatt had organised a mehndi ceremony and prize-distribution event. A stampede broke out as the gates opened after hundreds of people had gathered at the venue.

Police registered an FIR at Motra Police Station on October 31, nominating Jatt, his brother, the owner of the cricket ground, six other people and 40 to 45 unidentified security guards.

Jatt had approached the IHC seeking protection from arrest before he could reach the relevant court.

During the hearing, his counsel acknowledged that the FIR had been registered outside the IHC’s territorial jurisdiction, but said the purpose of protective bail was to allow a person within one court’s jurisdiction to reach the court concerned without being arrested en route.