The Indus Examiner

Lahore: A heartbreaking incident unfolded outside the Lahore High Court when a laborer, identified as Asif, set himself on fire in protest after years of seeking justice. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he did not survive.

Asif, who previously worked for a multinational company, was dismissed from his job nine years ago after forming a labor union to fight for workers’ rights. A lower court ruled in his favor, reinstating his employment, but the company appealed the decision in the High Court.

For nearly a decade, Asif attended hearings, traveling long distances and spending significant amounts on legal expenses. He struggled financially but remained hopeful that justice would be served. However, he claimed that corporate influence had compromised the judicial process.

At his last court appearance, after yet another delay in his case, he lost all hope. In a final act of desperation, he doused himself in petrol and set himself ablaze. Witnesses reported that even while being taken to the hospital, he kept crying out for justice. Sadly, he passed away from his injuries, leaving his family in grief.

Following the incident, the Chief Justice ordered an inquiry. However, instead of addressing the underlying issues, the primary response was to tighten security around the court premises to prevent similar protests.

The tragedy has sparked a wider debate about the struggles of the working class, corporate power, and the challenges faced by those seeking justice. Many are questioning whether real change will come from this incident or if it will be forgotten like many others before it.