Love, Duty and Tragedy: The Tale of Fawzia

A Tale of Love, Family, and Tragedy

BY:Khan

Dastgir Shahzad lived in Iqbal Nagar, a neighborhood along Jhang Road in Toba Tek Singh. In the same area resided Rana Iqrar, a man of considerable means. His fertile lands stretched all the way to the city, and he had installed a bore well on his property. Fruit-bearing trees like guava, aonla, and lemon adorned his land, while the rest of the fields were used for seasonal vegetables.

Rana Iqrar’s family included his wife Iqra, their son Sahir, and three daughters: Dua, Fawzia, and Sarah. Fawzia was the youngest. Conscious of their daughters’ future, Rana Iqrar and his wife began saving money and opened accounts in the National Bank, even investing in the bank’s marriage policy. Their efforts paid off; by the time the daughters reached marriageable age, Rana Iqrar had a substantial sum to arrange suitable matches.

One by one, he married off the elder daughters. But after some years, his wife Iqra suddenly fell ill. Despite treatment in Toba Tek Singh, Faisalabad, and Lahore, and spending a fortune, her health deteriorated, and eventually, she left her family, leaving behind a grief-stricken household. At that time, Sahir was 23, and Fawzia had just entered her teenage years.

As the years passed, Fawzia grew into a vibrant young woman. Rana Iqrar wished to marry her and Sahir simultaneously, ensuring his household would be managed smoothly after the daughters left. However, Sahir was not ready for marriage yet, delaying Fawzia’s wedding. Meanwhile, Fawzia’s heart had quietly found its companion in Shazib, the son of a neighboring family.

Shazib was a young man of dignity, running a vegetable business in the local market. Though they had always considered themselves like siblings, their bond gradually blossomed into love. They cherished their secret meetings, often when Fawzia was alone at home tending to her father and brother in the fields.

Rare men attract rare women. And soon, Fawzia found herself drawn irrevocably toward Shazib. While their interactions seemed innocent to neighbors at first, suspicion arose when she began closing doors during their secret meetings. Word reached Sahir, who was furious. His protective instincts boiled over, but Rana Iqrar intervened, urging calm.

“Son, act with reason, not anger,” he advised. “If you harm him, it will ruin Fawzia’s reputation. Leave it to me.”

Sahir restrained himself, though his heart burned. Later, Rana Iqrar spoke to Fawzia about her relationship with Shazib. Fawzia admitted her love but insisted she could not disobey her family. She became more cautious in her meetings, aware of her father’s wishes. Yet Sahir, doubting her words, began watching Shazib closely. He noticed Shazib frequently making secret phone calls and visiting the market at precise times—signals that Fawzia might be meeting him.

Eventually, Sahir followed Shazib and observed him entering Fawzia’s house after ensuring no one was around. In a fit of rage, Sahir confronted Fawzia, physically punishing her before summoning their father. Rana Iqrar arrived, not to harm his daughter but to speak sternly.

“Fawzia, I trusted you, and you betrayed that trust,” he said, tears streaming down his face. The father’s grief broke Fawzia’s resolve. Overwhelmed, she promised never to see Shazib again, swearing by her father’s love and the family’s honor.

True to her word, Fawzia cut off all contact with Shazib. He, heartbroken and desperate, tried everything to restore their bond, but she remained firm. Rana Iqrar, meanwhile, sought a suitable match for her. Eventually, he found a young man named Irfan from Samundari Village, and the alliance was confirmed. The wedding date was set for May 18, 2015.

Preparations began in full swing: a canopy was erected, chairs and tables arranged, sweets and delicacies prepared. Rana Iqrar and Sahir oversaw everything meticulously. As evening approached, news arrived that the groom’s party was on its way. Joy and excitement filled the household. Fawzia sat as a bride, her elder sister Dua by her side.

Suddenly, Fawzia asked Dua for permission to step outside, claiming she needed to relieve herself. Reluctantly, Dua agreed, warning her to return quickly. Fawzia left unnoticed, and shortly after, the groom’s party arrived. The wedding ceremony began—but the bride was missing. Panic ensued.

People searched frantically until they found Fawzia at a secluded spot, bleeding from self-inflicted wounds. Sahir cradled her in his arms, desperate to save her. She was rushed to the nearest hospital, but tragically, she was declared dead on arrival. The joyous occasion had turned into a nightmare.

The police were informed immediately. An FIR was registered against unknown suspects. During the investigation, Shazib was identified and arrested. Under interrogation, he confessed:

“I loved Fawzia sincerely, but she chose her family over me. On the wedding day, I asked her to meet me secretly. When she refused, I lost control and attacked her with a knife. I never intended to kill her, but she died. I will never forgive myself for this.”

The police seized the weapon and his phone, confirming the threat he had issued to Fawzia. On May 19, Shazib was presented in court and sent to jail, where he remained, leaving behind a story that began with innocent love and ended in tragedy.

Thus, a tale of youthful love, familial duty, and societal pressures transformed into a story of crime and sorrow—a stark reminder of how fragile human life and emotions can be when caught between love and honor.