Okara, Pakistan: A shocking incident of attempted murder was reported in Village 54/2-L, within the jurisdiction of Saddar Police Station, Okara, where an unidentified suspect allegedly poured petrol on a 17-year-old youth and set him on fire.
According to the First Information Report (FIR No. 901/26), the incident took place at approximately 2:00 PM on July 18, 2026. The victim, Abu Bakar, son of Muhammad Tahir, was reportedly present in the village when an unknown assailant allegedly attacked him by pouring petrol over his clothes and setting him ablaze with the intention of killing him.
Hearing the victim’s cries for help, local residents rushed to the scene and attempted to extinguish the fire. Rescue 1122 was immediately called and shifted the injured youth to DHQ Hospital, Okara, after providing emergency first aid.
Due to the absence of a dedicated Burn Unit at DHQ Hospital, doctors referred the victim first to Sahiwal and later to Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, for specialized treatment. Medical sources reported that approximately 70% of Abu Bakar’s body sustained burn injuries, and his condition remains critical.
The complainant in the case, Muhammad Mudassar, informed police that the attack was carried out by an unidentified individual. Based on his statement, Saddar Police Station, Okara, registered FIR No. 901/26 under Section 324 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Attempt to Murder) along with other relevant legal provisions.
Police officials confirmed that the suspect fled the scene immediately after the attack. An investigation is currently underway to identify and arrest the accused, while evidence is being collected from the crime scene and witness statements are being recorded.
The incident has once again highlighted the lack of specialized burn treatment facilities in Okara. Residents have expressed concern that the absence of a Burn Unit at DHQ Hospital, Okara, forces critically injured burn victims to travel to Sahiwal or Lahore for treatment, causing dangerous delays during medical emergencies.
Authorities have stated that further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
