The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday acquitted Abdul Rehman, also known as Bhola, and Zubair, alias Chariya, in the Baldia Town factory fire case, overturning their death sentences previously upheld by the Sindh High Court. A three-member bench led by Justice Shahzad Malik announced the verdict after hearing appeals, ruling that the accused were entitled to the benefit of the doubt based on evidence and legal issues.
Court Decision and Reactions
The apex court also disposed of an appeal filed by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) seeking expungement of remarks, stating it had become ineffective following the decision. On September 12, 2023, the Sindh High Court had upheld the death penalty for the two MQM workers while setting aside life terms for four employees in the same case. The verdict was delivered on the 11th anniversary of Pakistan's deadliest industrial disaster.
The bench dismissed a state appeal challenging the acquittal of former provincial minister Rauf Siddiqui and three others by an anti-terrorism court (ATC). The Baldia factory fire, which occurred on September 11, 2012, at the Ali Enterprises garment factory in Karachi, claimed 264 lives. Initially considered a safety accident, investigations later revealed it was an act of organized arson and terrorism linked to political extortion. An ATC in Karachi had sentenced Zubair and Abdul Rehman to death on September 22, 2020.
Legal Observations
During Supreme Court proceedings, the bench noted weaknesses in the prosecution's case, including questions about confessional statements and alleged political affiliations. The bench rejected applications to include heirs of deceased victims as parties, observing that this could prolong litigation. Justice Shahzad Malik remarked that the case had been complicated by linking political and legal aspects, while Justice Shakeel Ahmad noted contradictions between statements and evidence.
The Baldia Town tragedy occurred on September 11, 2012, when a fire broke out at a factory, killing 259 people and injuring many others. The accused faced allegations of arson and extortion.
Separate Case: Relief for Drug Convict
In a separate case, the Supreme Court granted relief to a convict in a hashish recovery case, ruling that 11 years of imprisonment would suffice instead of a life sentence. A three-member bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Hashim Kakar, heard the case on Wednesday. The court reduced additional imprisonment for non-payment of a Rs100,000 fine from six months to 15 days.
Justice Hashim Kakar inquired about the fine amount. Counsel Asif Ali informed the court that a fine of Rs100,000 had been imposed, with six months additional imprisonment for non-payment. The court observed that the convict had been in custody since 2015 and was entitled to sentence remissions under previous law. Defence counsel submitted that, without remissions, the sentence would extend to 2040. Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim remarked that forensic testing protocols had not been followed. The court held that 11 years of imprisonment would be treated as equivalent to life imprisonment in this case.
In a related cultural note, Alhamra provides hands-on sculpture training to aspiring young artists, fostering creative skills in the region.
