Man tortures his children after failing to get drugs

PATTOKI: A man allegedly tortured his three minor children in Chak 20, a suburban area of Pattoki, after he was reportedly unable to obtain drugs, according to police and local residents.

The case drew public attention after a video showing the injured children spread widely on social media on Friday. The footage, which residents said showed visible signs of abuse on the children’s bodies, triggered anger among citizens and in social circles.

Police and residents identified the suspect as Taj Muhammad. According to local residents, he fled after the video began circulating online.

Residents said Taj Muhammad is the father of six children and alleged that he is addicted to drugs. They further claimed that he had repeatedly subjected members of his family to violence.

According to residents, he had earlier assaulted his wife, Parveen Bibi, leaving her with fractures in an arm and a leg. They also alleged that he forced her to beg in order to meet household expenses and finance his drug use.

Residents said Parveen Bibi had gone to a toll plaza in Pattoki to beg, which they described as part of her daily routine, when the suspect allegedly turned violent towards the children after failing to obtain drugs.

Passersby reportedly came to the children’s rescue after hearing their cries and screams, residents said.

Police action after video goes viral

Following the circulation of the video, police at Saddar Pattoki Police Station registered a case and started an investigation into the incident.

The reports of abuse prompted calls for action from members of the public and civil society representatives, who urged higher authorities to ensure the suspect’s immediate arrest and to pursue strict legal action.

They said such steps were necessary to secure justice for the children and to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

No further details were provided in the report about the condition or ages of the three children.

The incident has added to concern over violence against children and domestic abuse, with the case now under police investigation after the video evidence prompted official action.