Baldia factory officer reveals fire was set over failure to pay extortion

KARACHI: A witness of the Baldia factory fire revealed on Tuesday that Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) leaders had ordered for the fire to be put after owners declined the demand for extortion money.

According to reports, the factory’s production in-charge professed to the anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday that the structure was set ablaze upon directives by MQM leadership subsequent to the declination of demand for extortion by the owners of Ali Enterprises.

He revealed further that MQM worker who had acted as the messenger throughout –Zubair alias Charya was requested by him to ease the demand of extortion to Rs10 million but the worker stood firm on the amount not being any less than Rs200 million.

Moreover, he revealed that the worker had also issued threats of extreme consequences given the demands remained unfulfilled adding that the fire had been put over the amount remaining unsettled.

Thus far, the case has had over 332 witnesses recording their statements with the prosecution submitting a list of 720 witnesses.