karachi-fire-10-AFP-670
Residents look on during the rescue operation after a deadly fire at a garment factory in Karachi, Sept 12, 2012. — File Photo by AFP

KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday issued notices to the provincial government, municipal commissioner and other parties to the case to submit their reports, pertaining to Karachi factory fire which killed at least 258 people, within 10 days, DawnNews reported.

A division bench, headed by Chief Justice Mushir Alam, repeated notice after none of the government departments filed their responses Court’s orders.

Pakistan Institute of Labor Education and Research (PILER), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and other non- government organizations had moved court to seek judicial probe into Karachi factory inferno on September 11, 2012.Petitioners had sought constitution of a judicial commission to fix responsibility for incident and suggest monetary compensation to legal heirs of inferno victims.

The petitioner demanded that Federal Ministry of National Regulations & Service, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Provincial Chief, Labor, Health & Home Secretaries, IG Sindh Police, Director Generals of National, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation & Sindh Building Control Authority as respondents.

On Wednesday, Karachi Metropolitan Corporations Law Officer Tahawwur Ali Khan undertook to file detailed comments within seven days.

Advocate Khursheed Javed, appearing for Sindh Building Control Authority, also sought time to assist court whether affected building of Ali Enterprises garment factory fell within regulatory authority of SBCA or SITE.

Inspector General Police (IGP) Sindh submitted his reply to the court.

Sindh High Court Bar association filed a petition to become party to the case. The bar association pleaded that the laws pertaining to the fire department should be scrutinized and improved.

SHC division bench directed Additional Advocate General Meeran Muhammad Shah to file comments from all concerned and also submit comments of IGP Sindh in office.

Court also directed law officers appearing for KMC, SBCA to file comments within ten days. It also issued notice to SITE to file comments, in case the gutted factory building fell within its limits. Hearing was adjourned for ten days.

Meanwhile, six more people, who were killed in the factory fire, have been identified on Wednesday.

Opinion

Political capitalism

Political capitalism

Pakistani decision-makers salivate at the prospect of a one-party state but without paying attention to those additional ingredients.

Editorial

Spending restrictions
Updated 13 May, 2024

Spending restrictions

The country's "recovery" in recent months remains fragile and any shock at this point can mean a relapse.
Climate authority
13 May, 2024

Climate authority

WITH the authorities dragging their feet for seven years on the establishment of a Climate Change Authority and...
Vending organs
13 May, 2024

Vending organs

IN these cash-strapped times, black marketers in the organ trade are returning to rake it in by harvesting the ...
A turbulent 2023
Updated 12 May, 2024

A turbulent 2023

Govt must ensure judiciary's independence, respect for democratic processes, and protection for all citizens against abuse of power.
A moral victory
12 May, 2024

A moral victory

AS the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted on Friday in favour of granting Palestine greater rights at the...
Hope after defeat
12 May, 2024

Hope after defeat

ON Saturday, having fallen behind Japan in the first quarter of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, Pakistan showed...