I AM an engineer who sustained severe third-degree burns while performing my official duties at the Pakistan Machine Tool Factory (PMTF) in Karachi in February 1997. While being rescued from the flames, I suffered injuries that left both my hands and the neck disabled. Since then, I have endured severe physical suffering and numerous health complications. My case concerns compensation for my injuries, medical treatment and my wrongful termination from employment while I was still undergoing medical treatment. My case (No. 1067/2008), originally filed in the Sindh High Court (SHC), remained pending for years before being transferred to the District Court in Malir (No. 599/2025).

At the time of the accident, I was 38. Today, at around 70, I am still waiting for justice. Nearly three decades have passed, but my suffering continues, and so does my long struggle to get justice.

I am living a miserable life, battling serious health problems and permanent disabilities. Despite years of hardship, I have not lost hope that someone would finally hear my plea and help me obtain the justice I have been denied for so long.

Shoaib Soulat
Mississauga, Canada

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2026