KARACHI: Owning up to the responsibility for the fire that engulfed over 250 lives in a Baldia Town factory, Minister for Commerce and Industry Rauf Siddiqui tendered his resignation on Friday, Express News reported.
Siddiqui, who belongs to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, said that the decision was taken on the directives of his party.
Forwarding his resignation to Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad, Siddiqui said that he wants a fair and transparent investigation to be carried out and that can only be possible when he is not holding the ministry.
Siddiqui had earlier said that the land was allotted by his ministry but after that it becomes the responsibility of SITE, the labour department and civil defence authorities to inspect code violations.
He had felt the owners were first responsible and then government agencies.
COMMENTS (56)
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From what I remember his first reaction was that he has nothing to do with this and that this wasn't his responsibility. And i'm saying this based on a tv report where a journalist questioned him for his negligence. He not only didn't hold himself responsible but was trying to distant himself. But well another attempt from MQM towards face saving.
He said he was open for investigation, first find out whose fault is it prior to calling for him to bee lynched just because you don't agree with his politics.@Asim Ali:
A great precedence set by the not so shameless politicians.
Well done mqm. Excellent trend
@Saleem: Are you out of your mind? He had absolutely nothing to do with this event. His resignation is only a matter of morals and ethics in government, and is a benchmark in all democratically elected governments. His resignation will certainly lead to a full bi-partisan investigation, and the facts will come out. I am from Karachi, and I know for sure, that no MQM Minister could ever be neglectful, they work round the clock for the people of Karachi.
@Maha: Dear Maha, Majority of readers who commented and praised this kind gesture of MQM minster are not fools. We can differentiate between right and wrong if you really want to talk about someone you are more than welcome to talk about your self and call your self a fool. MQM workers and Minsters are so basic from lower class that you may not have even heard of them before and may not even remember there names. If he resigned it means he accepted and took a hit for it so that there could be a transparent investigation! Secondly about election MQM has proved in past to be loyal to its voters by building bridges and roads "LIKE FUS MENTIONED ABOVE: btw it was MQM workers who actually broke the wall to save ppl and went in the burning inferno, when the administration had no clue what to do. Even Mustafa Kamal made this suggestion to the administration to make hole in the walls but again when you have a burecrate incharge what do you expect."
PLEAS APPRECIATE AND STOP HATING!
he just did this so that MQM could get votes in the upcoming elections and we are all fools to appreciate this move.
Wow...it always amazes me the level of IQ most of the Pakistani posses. Checking fire system in a factory does not come under jurisdiction of Ministry of Industry, but in you hatred for MQM you have become blind or simply lack mental capacity to understand. Good.....btw it was MQM workers who actually broke the wall to save ppl and went in the burning inferno, when the administration had no clue what to do. Even Mustafa Kamal made this suggestion to the administration to make hole in the walls but again when you have a burecrate incharge what do you expect. They may be thugs, but better then thugs of everyother party. Dont expect same from the leaders or even party workers of PPP, PML. ANP or even PTI.
Another Drama, now "people" will appeal him to withdrew his resignation and on great people demand Altaf bhai will ask him to keep working and kicking.
he should be trialed in court for his incompetency; you cant just runaway with resignation. he's guilty of being a failure and should be punished accordingly!
I am astonished people wishing well done to MQM! for what? A minister has resigned shamefully because his deparment didnt function properly! Politically very good move for an ending cabinet, he will be minister again though! normal democracies he will not stand a chance in lifetime to be minister again!
I think at least for once we can act like parhe likhe ("educated" if would say) Pakistani and appreciate this Unprecedented act by a Pakistani politician.
Respect! You have clearly distinguished yourself from all people in Pakistani politics, judiciary, army and other not so graceful institutions.
@Logistics: What a childish comment "the minister is not responsible" then who is? Mister is the person who was not sure that his work force work properly.
Better Move but so late, if he had resigned on spot when he was in front press members to given blame others. Where gone good governance which party claim. Political game of his party and gain scoring but last they introduce another Minister for same Ministry within few days or his resignation not accept.
an “important person” asked them to leave the premises.
is he is that person
just acting..
We will listen the NEWS that another minister from MQM or same rauf will appointed as minister for industeries and commerce within few day or may be his resignation will not be accepted or decision to accept by governer sindh will not be taken.
Anyone from the same ministery in Punjabi province resigned? 26 people died from the shoe factory fire in lahore. Who will be responsible for the fire here in lahore? Shahbaz Sharif, we are waiting for the result of the inquiry.
@Sarah: He should also be probed. the resignation is not enough. 290+ lives need more than resignation.
this is just drama he will be minister again he is fooling people .
There is no courage involved. MQM can play musical chairs with their Ministers because none have an independent power base. Another MQM face will come in the position. The fact is the Minister was not personally responsible.
Few people above are going nuts saying he should be sent to jail and tried...for once use your brain and appreciate his courage to resign even though he should not be held responsible for this tragedy directly....it was the responsibility of Labor minister, Civil defense and Chief minister who stopped Labor department to do its work...Please guys put aside your MQM phobia and make an un-biased opinion and see who should really be responsible for this.
MQM involves in this issue also.
What about the same Minister in Punjab? What about the Federal Minister for Commerce?
I can't believe this...first time ever I see something good about Pakistan....Mr. Siddiqui, thanks for setting a unique example. Hats off!!
Despite not being a MQM supporter, I salute him for this precedent...
Send him to jail
guys believe me this is negligence on part of labour dept., not the industry ministry, but never the less a good move
Really great, Labour department and SITE are responsible for this. because his ministry can not influence independent body SITE and a ministry run by ANP. So only fool can demand his criminal trail. Great Step Rauf bhai.
He should be sent to jail also
Very Very Good......... Hats Off
Just a resignation? This person, needs to get arrested for negligence, be banned from holding public office and be made an example for such callous oversight. What is he holding a plush ministerial position for? If he and others like him cannot implement rules and regulations, then why are we paying taxes
Ok. so now, we have a murder investigation launched against the owners. The Minister of Industries has resigned. Next to take resposibility should be the SITE, the labour department and civil defence authorities as he says too. But looking at the SITE asscociation's chairman's statement this morning, its highly unlikely that SITE, who are the primary culprits, are going to take anything seriously. Such a shame
Wow, finally someone in Pakistan Government who took the responsibility and resigned!!! But he should have resigned on the directives of his own inner voice not just the directives of the party!! Anyway, a welcome change from the normal practice...Hope representatives start taking responsibility and bring about real change.
at least one .................. ....... ........ , still have courage, the others... big... ..... ..... are still sleeping............, this is an eye opener for all the people , who gave votes to these ... ... .......
Good stunt in the wake of elections!
Good now put him in jail and trial him under murder charges.
After so many innocents’ deaths, how can he go free just by resigning? He must be tried for criminal neglect.
appreciated !!
good example being set!......people still might think that it can be a good political move by MQM in the wake of upcoming elections....but still!.....things what should be appreciated should be appreciated!
I must say, if I ignore MQM's heavy handed approach towards racial/lingual segregation (and its violent consequence henceforth) I cannot help but admire their firm stance on principles, leadership, hard work, honesty, religious moderation, development of the poor and sense of duty.
Despite all differences with MQM, atleast MQM has discipline and courage.
Good thinking !!!
Well-done for taking the Responsibility; Like MQM for once.
MQM has once again set a fine example for all other stake holders! Even though I doubt Rauf was responsible directly for this incident but he made a good decision. I think Cheif minister should be next...
OK, somebody resigned at least, unlike in previous such fiasco.
wow. great move mqm
He has gained my respect.I wish there were others like him in Federal and Provincial cabinets