Lahore June 9 2025 – A shocking and gruesome incident has rocked a suburban community on the outskirts of Lahore where a young stage dancer invited to perform at a Mehndi function was allegedly raped and brutally murdered late Saturday night. What was meant to be a joyous celebration turned into a nightmare that has sparked outrage sorrow and calls for justice from citizens and human rights organizations.
The Victim A Young Life Lost
The victim identified as Arooj Bibi name changed to protect identity was a 22-year-old stage performer from Faisalabad. Known among her peers for her dedication to her craft she had reportedly been invited to perform at a Mehndi function in a private farmhouse located in the Shahdara area of Lahore.
Arooj had traveled to the venue earlier that evening with a small group of fellow performers. According to eyewitness accounts and police statements the function started at around 900 PM and the performances went on late into the night.
Disappearance and Discovery
According to initial reports Arooj was last seen around midnight when she stepped outside the main hall allegedly to take a break. She did not return. Her fellow dancers grew concerned after repeated calls to her phone went unanswered.
The next morning her body was found in a nearby field less than 500 meters from the farmhouse. The gruesome discovery was made by a local villager who immediately alerted the authorities. Police officials and a forensics team arrived at the scene where early signs pointed to sexual assault followed by strangulation.
Police Investigation and Forensic Evidence
SP Shahdara Division Ali Raza confirmed the case in a press briefing
“The preliminary forensic report indicates evidence of rape and physical struggle. We are treating this as a case of sexual assault followed by premeditated murder. We are committed to ensuring swift justice”
CCTV footage from nearby roads and entrances is currently being reviewed. Several men who attended the event including the host and close acquaintances have been taken into custody for questioning.
The authorities have also collected DNA samples from the crime scene and are awaiting laboratory results. The autopsy confirmed that the victim died of asphyxiation due to strangulation and there were multiple bruises on her body indicating a violent struggle.
Public Outrage and Social Media Reaction
As news of the incident “spread Justice ForArooj began trending on social media platforms across Pakistan. Activists celebrities and concerned citizens expressed anger and heartbreak at the incident calling for urgent action and reforms to protect women—particularly those working in performance arts who often face exploitation and harassment.
Human rights lawyer Asma Nawaz remarked on Twitter
“Women who earn their livelihood through performing arts deserve respect and protection. This horrifying crime reflects a broader societal rot. Justice must be swift and uncompromising”
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Stage Dancers and Vulnerability
This incident has also reignited the debate around the safety and dignity of stage performers in Pakistan. Many dancers especially women work without formal contracts or security arrangements. Often invited to private parties and functions they are at the mercy of event organizers many of whom fail to provide adequate protection.
Senior performer and activist Rani Malik commented
“Stage dancers are artists—not property. They perform to bring joy not to be preyed upon. We demand the government legislate safer work conditions for us”
Familys Plea for Justice
Arooj’s family devastated by the tragic turn of events has appealed to the authorities and the public for justice. Speaking to reporters her brother said through tears
“My sister left the house to do her job. She trusted the organizers. We never imagined she would return in a coffin”
The family has refused to bury her until at least one arrest is made and publicly announced staging a small protest outside the local police station demanding quick action.
Police Response and Next Steps
Police have promised transparency and urgency. DIG Operations Kamran Adil addressed the media saying
“We are pursuing all leads and leaving no stone unturned. The culprits regardless of their social or political standing will be brought to justice”
He also mentioned that DNA test results will be available within 72 hours and multiple suspects are under surveillance.
A National Wake Up Call
This incident is not an isolated one. It joins a growing list of violent crimes against women in Pakistan that have stirred nationwide protests and criticism of the countrys legal and social response mechanisms.
NGOs and womens rights groups are planning candlelight vigils and protest marches in Lahore Islamabad and Karachi in the coming days. Many are demanding not just justice in this case but structural changes to ensure no other woman meets a similar fate.
Conclusion
The tragic murder of Arooj has become a symbol of the vulnerability many women face in Pakistan—particularly those in marginalized professions. Her life and death are now a rallying point for those demanding not only justice but systemic reform respect and safety for all women.
As the investigation continues the entire nation watches hoping that this time justice will not be delayed or denied.
