Saved by benefit of doubt

The Supreme Court's acquittal of two MQM workers in the Baldia factory fire case is a devastating blow to the families of over 260 workers who were burnt alive on 11 September 2012. While the apex court has granted the two former MQM workers the benefit of the doubt, the overturning of their death sentences also exposes the systemic failure of law enforcement and prosecution. The detailed judgment has not been released yet, leading to some speculation over the reasoning in the verdict. However, enough is already known about the shoddy groundwork laid by the state to pinpoint where the rot lies.

The problems begin with the police. From day one, the investigation was a half?hearted, compromised mess. The first investigating officer had concluded the fire was arson - even tracing where the chemicals were bought - yet he was promptly removed from the case, allegedly under pressure from the MQM leadership. The Joint Investigation Team later confirmed the police's "irresponsible behaviour", noting that officials were "not only unsuccessful but also tried to protect the accused". One special public prosecutor even resigned, citing the investigating officer's outright non?cooperation and failure to provide witness statements.

The prosecution fared no better. It did not produce key witnesses, and crucially, the state never challenged the acquittal of other suspects, including then?provincial minister Rauf Siddiqui. This omission proved fatal because the alleged extortion demand - the central motive for the arson - was also tied to those very suspects. With the extortion charge weakened and other accused walking free, the entire narrative of the case collapsed, leading to yesterday's acquittals.

And while the acquittals may be legally sound, given the evidence on record, they offer no solace to the grieving families. The police and prosecution did not just fail the victims, they handed the accused a legal defence on a silver platter. Until we see thorough, professional investigations and fearless prosecution, justice for Baldia's dead will remain a distant dream.