Pakistan Wedding Stampede Kills 2, Injures Dozens in Sialkot

At least two people were killed and more than two dozen injured in a stampede at a wedding event in Pakistan’s Punjab province after a large crowd rushed towards the entrance of a stadium to collect cash and other prizes promised by a social media influencer. The incident took place during a mehndi ceremony organised by TikToker Anser Mahmood, also known as Mr Patlo, in Sialkot on Saturday evening.

According to police, the influencer had used his social media platforms to invite members of the public to the event, announcing several high-value giveaways. The rush towards the venue’s gates reportedly began after an announcement from the stage urging people to enter immediately.

Stampede at Faraz Sports Stadium in Sialkot

The incident occurred at Faraz Sports Stadium in Sialkot, around 100 kilometres from Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab. A large crowd had gathered after the influencer and his team publicised the wedding ceremony online and promised cash prizes, vehicles, motorcycles, mobile phones and other gifts.

Police officer Dost Muhammad confirmed that two people, identified as Rehan and Adeel, died in the stampede, while more than two dozen others sustained injuries.

According to the police account, Mahmood announced from the stage that people should immediately enter the stadium. The announcement triggered a rush towards the gates, resulting in overcrowding and the deadly crush.

Influencer Promised Rs 20 Million, Car and 50 Motorcycles

Police said the social media campaign promoting the mehndi ceremony included promises of substantial giveaways to attract visitors. These reportedly included:

• Rs 20 million in cash prizes.
• A car.
• 50 motorcycles.
• Mobile phones.
• Other luxury gifts.

The announcements attracted a large crowd to the stadium. However, the rush to enter the premises reportedly overwhelmed the arrangements at the venue.

Eyewitnesses blamed poor crowd management, confusing announcements and the alleged use of force by security guards for contributing to the incident, according to police officer Dost Muhammad.

Six Suspects Arrested as Police Register Case

Police have arrested six suspects after registering a case against nine named individuals, including TikToker Anser Mahmood, and 45 unidentified people.

The First Information Report (FIR) includes several alleged offences, including causing death through negligence, violating official directives, damaging property and unlawful assembly.

The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the crowd rush, the event’s security arrangements and the role of those named in the complaint.

Pakistan Defence Minister Criticises Influencer Culture

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who is from Sialkot, criticised the incident in a post on X on Sunday. He accused Social Media Influencers of using financially vulnerable people to increase online engagement and revenue.

Asif argued that the promised prizes were an investment to attract a large audience and generate income through social media, while the event ended with two deaths and several injuries.

He also described unchecked social media activity as a potential threat to society and the state. The minister questioned whether tax laws were being properly enforced against TikTokers who earn large amounts of money through their online activities.

TikToker Anser Mahmood Denies Responsibility

Meanwhile, Anser Mahmood appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir to clear him of blame over the incident.

The influencer maintained that the stampede was an accident and claimed he was not present at the venue when it occurred. His statement comes as police investigate the incident and have named him among those accused in the registered case.

The deaths and injuries at the Sialkot wedding event have raised questions about crowd management and safety arrangements at large public gatherings promoted through social media. The police investigation will determine the circumstances that led to the stampede and establish responsibility for the incident.