Delay in factory blast inquiry raises concerns

Legal experts and rights activists have expressed concerns over delays in the release of the inquiry report into the chemical factory blast in Shahab Town, Malik Pur, which claimed 21 lives and injured several others early on Friday morning.

Faisalabad deputy commissioner had originally set a 48-hour deadline for the 10-member inquiry committee to submit its findings.

The devastating explosion at the chemical factory not only engulfed the unit but also destroyed five neighbouring houses.

In response, the deputy commissioner formed the committee to determine the cause of the blast, assess the legality of the industrial units, verify NOCs, examine operational and structural conditions, review compliance with safety protocols, and recommend preventive measures.

Lawyer and human rights activist Malik Aftab Shahzad Jorra criticized the administration for failing to act on repeated master plan recommendations to relocate factories from congested city areas.

He noted that industrial units in residential zones continue to endanger citizens, highlighting systemic negligence by government authorities.

Jorra further questioned the scope of the inquiry, emphasising that the Terms of Reference (TORs) lack provisions to fix departmental responsibility.

Local resident Muhammad Idrees lamented that no senior government official had visited the blast site to offer condolences or announce compensation for victims.

Although Punjab Labour Minister Manshaallah Butt visited patients at Allied Hospital, he did not inspect the scene of the tragedy, reportedly to avoid public backlash.

District administration spokesperson Muhammad Awais explained that the delay was necessary to ensure a comprehensive, result-oriented report.

Forensic experts from Lahore were recently called to collect and analyse samples, with findings expected by Wednesday.

Awais added that the inquiry report would ultimately include assessments of both private and government roles and would be submitted to the Punjab government promptly.

He also confirmed that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is expected to visit the blast victims next week.