Woman killed in alleged stone attack by in-laws

DERA GHAZI KHAN: A family dispute turned fatal in the Rakni area, where a young woman was allegedly killed by her brothers-in-law amid ongoing tensions within the household, police said on Monday.

Officials at Rakni Police Station said the victim, Zaida Bibi — mother of a 15-month-old child — was reportedly attacked with stones by her brothers-in-law following repeated clashes linked to issues involving her mother-in-law.

According to police, the accused — Amanullah, Liaqat Ali and Jamalan — allegedly assaulted her after frequent arguments at home. She suffered critical injuries and died on the spot, while the suspects managed to escape.

Police reached the scene after being informed, completed legal procedures and shifted the body for post-mortem. A case has been registered on the complaint of her father, Amir Bakhsh, and raids are under way to arrest the suspects.

Amir Bakhsh told police that his daughter had come to her parental home a day earlier and complained of alleged abuse by her husband and in-laws. “She did not want to return, but we convinced her and took her back,” he said. He added that shortly after leaving her at her in-laws’ house, they heard commotion and rushed back, only to find that she had already died.

The grieving father has appealed to Maryam Nawaz Sharif to take notice of the case and ensure the arrest of those involved. Police said further investigation is in progress.

Incidents of domestic violence remain a serious concern in Punjab. According to a report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization, at least 85 women face violence daily in the province, including an average of nine cases of sexual assault. The report, based on data obtained from Punjab Police through the Right to Information law, recorded more than 15,000 cases between January and June 2025.