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Summary HRCP has expressed concern at the deaths due to fire in factories of Karachi and Lahore.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed grave concern at the death of at least 250 people in fire that gripped two factories in Karachi and Lahore.In a statement issued on Wednesday, Chairperson HRCP, Zohra Yousaf demanded safe working conditions for industrial workers in the factories across the country.According to reports, the death toll at a garments factory in Karachi stands at around 290 whereas many people are injured or unaccounted for.In Lahore 25 out of 35 workers at a shoe factory in Lahore died as the fire erupted there.The HRCP Chairperson urged the government to announce probes into the incidents, however she observed that many of the factors that contributed to the high death toll are already well known that also include absence of multiple exit-entry points in the factories.In addition, highly inflammable substances were stored without any safety measures, there was absence of fire alarms and fire-fighting equipment, which aggravated the devastation, the statement by Chairperson HRCP maintains.HRCP has asked the government to share with the people why these factories were allowed to operate without necessary arrangements to fight the danger of fire.Chairperson HRCP Zohra Yousaf also called upon the government to initiate criminal proceedings against the factory owners.
