Malikpur blast probe stalls as families await justice

As many as 10 months after a factory blast claimed the lives of 21 workers and residents of Malikpur, the divisional and district administrations have yet to make public the findings of a 10-member inquiry committee or fix responsibility for alleged negligence by relevant departments. According to official sources, 21 people, including workers and residents living near the chemical factory, were killed in the incident. The exact cause of the tragedy, whether it was triggered by a gas pipeline fire or a boiler explosion, has yet to be conclusively established. The authorities had formed a 10-member inquiry committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any lapses by the departments responsible for monitoring industrial safety. However, the findings of the inquiry have not been made public, nor has responsibility been fixed for any alleged negligence. Following the incident, the administration arranged the reconstruction of affected houses through a prominent textile exporter. Compensation cheques were also distributed among the bereaved families, reportedly by the factory owner. Meanwhile, on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a comprehensive inspection of industrial units across Faisalabad Division was ordered to reassess the capacity and safety of boilers and pressure vessels installed in factories. During the inspection, officials were also directed to verify the geotagging and locations of industrial units and check the availability of the required no-objection certificates (NOCs). Four private companies were assigned 90 days to complete the inspection and submit detailed reports on the condition and capacity of boilers and pressure vessels installed at industrial units across the division. As per the official estimates, more than 1,200 boilers and over 6,000 pressure vessels are installed in industrial units in Faisalabad Division. Officials said assessing the condition and capacity of the equipment was essential as outdated, defective or improperly maintained boilers and pressure vessels could pose serious safety risks and potentially cause explosions resulting in loss of life. However, despite the inspection exercise, questions remain over the findings of the inquiry into the Malikpur tragedy and whether any action has been taken against departments or officials responsible for ensuring industrial safety. The families of the victims are still awaiting clarity over the circumstances that led to the deaths of their loved ones and accountability for any negligence that may have contributed to the incident. In November, 2025, the deadly blast at the chemical factory located in Malikpur residential neighbourhood triggered a fire causing the deaths of at least 21 people and injuries to seven others. That explosive material was stored within the factory housed amid residential units left, right and centre speaks of the criminal apathy of the factory owners and the patronage of the relevant authorities enjoyed by them. Faisalabad has recorded 20 boiler explosions or major fire incidents between June 2019 and May 2024, killing 13 workers and injuring 20 others, according to Rescue 1122 data. These incidents include those that happened in residential localities.