Supreme Court overturns death sentences, granting benefit of doubt in 2012 Karachi tragedy case.
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday acquitted Abdul Rehman alias Bhola and Zubair alias Chariya in the Baldia Town factory fire case, setting aside the death sentences previously awarded by the trial court and upheld by the Sindh High Court.
A three-member bench, headed by Justice Shahzad Malik, allowed the appeals filed by the convicts and ruled that they were entitled to the benefit of the doubt based on the available evidence and legal considerations.
Death sentences overturned
The apex court annulled the earlier convictions and ordered the acquittal of both accused persons, effectively overturning the capital punishment handed down in connection with the 2012 Karachi industrial tragedy.
The Court also disposed of a separate petition seeking expungement of judicial observations, declaring it infructuous following the setting aside of the original judgment. It noted that once the verdict was overturned, related remarks automatically lost legal standing.
Concerns over evidence and legal process
During the hearing, the bench identified multiple weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, raising questions about the reliability of evidence presented during the trial.
The judges also examined issues related to confessional statements and alleged political affiliations of some of the accused, which were cited during earlier proceedings.
Justice Shahzad Malik observed that the case had been complicated by the inclusion of political and legal dimensions, while Justice Shakeel Ahmad pointed out contradictions between statements and available evidence.
Plea to include victims’ heirs rejected
The Court also rejected applications seeking to include the heirs of deceased victims as parties in the proceedings, stating that allowing extensive participation could unnecessarily prolong litigation.
The bench emphasised the need to maintain procedural clarity and avoid further delays in the disposal of long-pending appeals.
Background of Baldia Town tragedy
The Baldia Town factory fire occurred on September 11, 2012, in Karachi, resulting in the deaths of 259 workers and injuries to several others.
The accused had faced allegations related to arson and extortion in connection with one of Pakistan’s deadliest industrial disasters.
The Supreme Court’s verdict brings a significant legal development in a case that has remained under judicial review for over a decade.
