Karachi: The recent judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the Baldia Town factory fire case has rekindled longstanding concerns about accountability, as victims’ families and labor organizations argue that the true responsible parties have been shielded from justice. The court’s decision to acquit two key accused individuals, following earlier acquittals of others, has left more than 260 workers’ deaths unresolved, raising questions about the effectiveness of the investigation process and the delivery of justice.

According to a press statement from a joint press conference held by the victims of the Baldia tragedy and labor organizations, the Supreme Court’s decision has bolstered their position that the factory owners and government institutions responsible for ensuring industrial safety were the actual culprits. The statement criticized the redirection of the case toward narratives of extortion and terrorism, which allegedly protected powerful industrial interests and neglected the enforcement of safety regulations.

The press release highlighted ongoing demands for a re-examination of the case to identify the true responsible parties, while also calling for comprehensive safety inspections of industrial units across Pakistan. It emphasized the need for accountability of government bodies, such as the Labour Department and Fire Brigade, whose negligence might have contributed to the tragedy. The victims’ families continue to await justice, as the case has spanned over a decade without definitive resolutions.

The joint press conference included representatives from various labor organizations and affected families, who reiterated their commitment to seeking justice and ensuring safe working conditions for all workers. They urged the government, judiciary, international institutions, and civil society to consider the Baldia tragedy an ongoing issue of workers’ rights and human dignity.