Labour unions, victims demand fresh probe into Baldia factory fire

• Unions say compensation promises remain unfulfilled.
• Leaders claim case diverted to protect real perpetrators.
• Say SC verdict strengthens view about accountability.
  

KARACHI: Labour unions and victims of the Baldia Town factory fire on Sunday demanded a fresh examination of the case, arguing that recent Supreme Court observations reinforced their long-held position on responsibility and accountability.

National Trade Union Federation Pakistan General Secretary Nasir Mansoor and Pakistan Workers Federation Senior Vice President Zehra Khan made the demand during a joint press conference at the Karachi Press Club, alongside affected families.

During the presser, they said that the recent Supreme Court decision had strengthened their view that factory owners and government institutions were responsible for the tragedy, which claimed more than 250 lives.

The speakers were referring to the top court's June 10 verdict, acquitting Abdul Rehman alias Bhola and Zubair alias Chariya in the Baldia Town factory fire case, overturning the death sentences handed down by a trial court and later upheld by the Sindh High Court (SHC).

A three-member bench headed by Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan allowed the convicts' appeals, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The court held that the accused were entitled to the benefit of the doubt in light of the evidence and legal issues involved.

The Baldia Town factory fire, one of Pakistan's deadliest industrial disasters, occurred on September 11, 2012, when a blaze engulfed a garment factory in Karachi, killing 259 people and injuring scores of others. The accused had faced allegations of arson and extortion in connection with the tragedy.

Meanwhile, the speakers said the case had been diverted from its original direction to protect the real perpetrators.

They argued that the acquittal of two key accused had created a perception that no one was held accountable for one of the country's worst industrial disasters.

The speakers demanded that the case be revisited to ensure accountability of all individuals and institutions allegedly involved, including factory owners.

They also expressed concern that many commitments made to victims, including compensation promises, remain unfulfilled even years after the incident.