What began as a migrant worker’s dream to surprise his family for Eid ended in a chilling crime in Punjab’s Muzaffargarh, where police say a Pakistani expatriate returning from Saudi Arabia was allegedly murdered in a plot involving his wife and her suspected lover.
The victim, identified as Safdar, had left for Saudi Arabia in 2024 after struggling to support his family through a small grocery shop in his village.
A journey abroad to change his family’s life
According to relatives, Safdar had three children and was determined to improve their future. With help from relatives working in Saudi Arabia, he secured a job abroad and began sending most of his earnings home.
Family members say the money quickly improved the household’s situation. The children were enrolled in a private school, and the home began to see signs of financial stability.
But while Safdar worked thousands of miles away, investigators say a secret relationship allegedly developed between his wife, Shehnaz, and a man identified as Tariq, who frequently visited the same school to drop off his child.
Police sources say casual greetings gradually turned into phone conversations and eventually regular meetings.
Surprise return before Eid
Just days before the start of Ramadan, Safdar unexpectedly returned from Saudi Arabia to surprise his family and celebrate Eid al-Fitr with them.
Relatives say his arrival brought joy to his children and siblings. Gatherings were held and the family welcomed him warmly after months of separation.
But investigators believe his sudden return created panic for his wife, who allegedly feared her secret relationship would be exposed.
Deadly plan
Police allege that Shehnaz contacted Tariq and the two devised a plan to eliminate Safdar.
According to investigators, the woman allegedly mixed sedatives in milk and gave it to her husband, causing him to fall unconscious. Later that night, Tariq reportedly entered the house and strangled Safdar while he slept.
Authorities say the suspect then quietly left the house under cover of darkness.
Morning of deception
The next morning, Shehnaz reportedly began calling relatives, claiming that her husband had gone to sleep healthy but would not wake up.
Relatives rushed to the house, and police were also alerted as a precaution.
Officers from the Punjab Police noticed suspicious marks around Safdar’s neck during the initial inspection.
When questioned, Shehnaz reportedly claimed her husband had been ill and was taking medication. However, investigators say she failed to produce any medicine when asked.
Confession and arrests
Police later took the woman into custody for questioning. Investigators say she eventually confessed during interrogation and revealed the alleged involvement of Tariq.
The second suspect was subsequently arrested based on her statement.
Three children left behind
Safdar’s three children are now being cared for by relatives from their father’s side.
Neighbors say the man had spent years working abroad with the hope of giving his children a better future — only to return home and lose his life days before celebrating Eid with them.
For many in the village, the story has become a haunting reminder of how a migrant worker’s dream of family happiness ended in betrayal and tragedy.
