‘Not responsible for what happened’: Fugitive TikToker Mr Pattlo breaks silence after Sialkot stampede

Fugitive TikToker Ansar Mahmood, popularly known as Mr Pattlo, has broken his silence over a deadly stampede at his wedding celebrations in Sialkot, claiming the incident was an accident and that he was not responsible for what happened.

In a video message recorded at an undisclosed location, the TikToker expressed grief over the deaths and injuries, claimed he was being abandoned by people close to him and made a statement suggesting he might take his own life if he did not post another video.

A stampede at Mr Pattlo’s mehndi ceremony at Faraz Cricket Ground on Daska Road in Punjab’s Sialkot district left two people dead and 17 seriously injured on Saturday night.

Police have registered a case against the TikToker and more than 40 nominated and unidentified people. Six people have been arrested, while investigations are under way.

TikToker denies responsibility

In his video statement, Mr Pattlo said he had always helped underprivileged people and shared the grief of the families who lost loved ones in the incident.

He said his wedding celebrations were scheduled for October 5, 6 and 7, with the mehndi, baraat and walima ceremonies planned respectively.

The TikToker claimed the event had been organised for the public and that he had intended to arrange weddings for 20 underprivileged girls, distribute food supplies and give away motorcycles.

He also claimed he had issued a warning in a video 10 days before the event, asking attendees to look after their belongings, avoid pushing one another and maintain discipline.

Mr Pattlo further claimed that he had obtained a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the event.

Claims he was in hospital

The TikToker said he had visited the same ground a day before the incident, where he played cricket and suffered a back injury that required hospital treatment.

He claimed he remained in pain throughout the night and was preparing to visit the hospital the following morning when he learnt about the stampede.

Denying allegations that he was present at the stadium when the incident occurred, Mr Pattlo said his name had been included in the first information report (FIR) despite him being at a hospital undergoing an MRI scan.

He said the relevant records were available and expressed concern about the whereabouts of his father, who had been on the stage during the event.

Breaking down in tears, the TikToker said he was struggling emotionally and felt abandoned by people who had previously surrounded him.

He also appealed to Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir to intervene.

Two killed in wedding celebrations stampede

The stampede occurred when the venue’s gates were opened and a large crowd rushed inside, causing several people to fall and others to be trampled, according to police.

The first victim, identified as 30-year-old Aqeel, died while being taken to hospital. A second injured attendee, Rehan, later died during treatment after being referred to Lahore because of his critical condition.

Rescue 1122 teams and police personnel shifted the injured to Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital in Sialkot. Some victims were also taken to nearby private hospitals and clinics.

Police have alleged violations of safety procedures and conditions attached to permission for the event.

Sialkot District Police Officer Dost Muhammad said those found responsible for endangering people’s lives would be brought to justice, adding that negligence in security arrangements would not be tolerated.

The district administration has also cancelled permission for the remaining wedding festivities after finding that the event had not followed the approved schedule, according to media reports.