OKARA: A teenage boy suffered critical burn injuries after allegedly setting himself ablaze by sprinkling petrol over his body. He was shifted to Lahore for treatment after receiving initial medical care.

The victim identified as Abu Bakr (17) was rescued by Rescue 1122 and taken to the South City DHQ Hospital. Owing to the severity of his injuries, he was later referred to the Sahiwal Teaching Hospital and shifted to a hospital in Lahore. Doctors said he had sustained severe burns over most of his body.

Police said the incident initially appeared to be an attempted suicide. However, the victim’s maternal uncle, Muhammad Mudassar, lodged a complaint alleging that unidentified suspects had attempted to kill the teenager.

According to the FIR, the complainant was present at the village chowk when he was informed about the incident. He rushed to the scene with friends, called Rescue 1122, and helped extinguish the flames.

The Saddar police registered a case under Section 324 of the PPC against unidentified suspects.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2026