KARACHI, July 30: The authorities concerned should constitute a commission comprising the judges of high courts to punish all those responsible for industrial accidents and to take measures for the rehabilitation of the affected families.

This demand was put forward by the representatives of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research, Child and Labour Rights Welfare Organisation, Pakistan Workers Confederation, Muttahida Labour Federation Pakistan and People’s Labour Bureau, here at a joint press conference on Monday at the Karachi Press Club.

Referring to the recent explosion of a boiler at a factory in Anwer Goth claiming lives of nine people, the speakers said that the factory was operating illegally on an encroached piece of land.

They blamed the authorities concerned for not taking viable steps to discourage such activities.

They referred to various laws on industrial safety and inspection in Pakistan and said that the Punjab government was the first to stop the labour department and social security wing from inspecting factories and the same practice was later adopted by the other provinces.

They demanded that all the policies and laws that were in conflict with the rights given under the constitution and the international treaties be revoked.

They said that the issuance of appointment letters for all the factory workers be made mandatory so that factory owners could not deny the rights of the victims of accidents.

The rights activists also demanded handing over of labour inspection and all the departments meant to ensure safety and health to the local governments.