SC rejects Sindh govt’s review plea in Baldia factory fire case

The Supreme Court dismissed the Sindh government’s review petition challenging the acquittal of two accused in the Baldia factory fire case, bringing another legal challenge to the June verdict to an end.

A three-member bench comprising Justice Malik Shehzad Ahmed Khan, Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Shakeel Ahmad heard the petition. 

Additional Prosecutor General Sindh Saleem Akhtar appeared before the court and presented arguments.

The court also dismissed a separate petition seeking the deletion of remarks concerning MQM.

On June 10, the Supreme Court acquitted Abdul Rehman alias Bhola and Zubair alias Chariya, overturning their death sentences awarded by an anti-terrorism court and later upheld by the Sindh High Court. The SC extended both accused the benefit of the doubt.

The Sindh government subsequently filed a review petition, arguing that the Supreme Court’s judgment had overlooked eyewitness, medical and other evidence, as well as evidence concerning the alleged use of chemicals to ignite the fire.

The two men had been sentenced to death in 2020 over allegations that they deliberately set the factory on fire. Their convictions were upheld by the SHC in 2023 before being overturned by the Supreme Court this year.