[DAWN] BAHAWALPUR: A woman along with her three minor children allegedly attempted self-immolation on Wednesday in protest against a panchayat’s verdict in Ahmadpur Sharqia.Fatima Bibi doused herself and her two sons Hussain, Tayyub and daughter Shabana in petrol in protest against a decision of the panchayat at Munir Shaheed Chowk.
On Tuesday, a panchayat forced her husband Allah Nawaz to pay within two days a sum of Rs600,000 which he had allegedly stolen from landlord Nazar Hussain at Tibbi Izzt village.
A large number of people gathered at the scene and averted her attempt.
SHO Tahir Iqbal confirmed the incident and said a case [of suicide attempt] against Allah Nawaz was registered. He said the panchayat headed by Riffat Rehmani asked Nawaz to pay the [stolen] amount after a foot tracer (khoji) found his alleged involvement in the theft.
No action against any punchayat member was taken.