Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said the officials who gave permission for TikToker Ansar Mehmood better known as Mr Patlo’s mehndi ceremony in Sialkot should share responsibility for the stampede that killed two people.
“Since a large number of people were given permission, those who gave it should also take responsibility for it,” he told reporters at Parliament House on Monday. He expressed grief over the stampede, which also injured several people.
Khawaja Asif said that Mr Patlo’s team had taken permission from the district administration. “But my opinion is that they did not foresee that things would reach this point and such a massive crowd would gather,” he said.
The district administration has said it cancelled the permit for violating conditions before the event began.
The minister said the event was run for profit. He said Mr Patlo had announcements made in nearby villages and promoted the giveaway of cars and motorcycles on social media. “So the TikToker had to make money from there. This was a profit-making deal, a business of theirs,” he pointed out.
He called for a regulatory framework for social media. “A state, a government cannot function in an unregulated manner, especially social media. There needs to be serious attention paid to it, serious attention.” Asked which government should handle it, he said: “My view is that social media is basically the responsibility of the federal government.”
Khawaja Asif said that certain social media activities are harming social values and the family system. He pointed to European countries that have put age limits on social media use, saying: “They are protecting their new generation.” He asked whether Pakistan’s rulers are doing the same.
“Interaction within families has ended, and warmth and affection have been lost,” he observed, adding that this moment was a moment for reflection. “I think all concerned should take note of this incident and event.”
Police in Sialkot arrested six people and said Mr Patlo and other suspects had fled. The First Information Report (FIR) names nine suspects, including Mr Patlo, and 45 unidentified people. The charges include causing death by negligence, violating government orders, vandalism, incitement and unlawful assembly.
According to the FIR, the ceremony took place Saturday evening at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road. Mr Patlo used social media to invite people with the promise of prizes, including motorcycles and a car. Police said his team advertised that it would give out 20 million rupees, a car, 50 motorcycles and mobile phones.
The FIR says Mr Patlo went on stage and told everyone to enter the ground immediately. The crowd surged in, causing a stampede. A man named Aqeel died at the scene. Another injured man, Rehan, died in a Lahore hospital on Sunday.
In a video statement, Mr Patlo denied responsibility and said he was not at the venue when the stampede happened.
Mr Patlo runs multiple TikTok accounts and earns money from TikTok Live.
