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Man Who Set Himself on Fire at Lahore High Court Dies
Former union leader Asif Javed succumbs to injuries after self-immolating outside Lahore High Court in protest against five years of delayed justice. His tragic act sparks outrage.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-28
Man Who Set Himself on Fire at Lahore High Court Dies

A man who self-immolated in front of the Lahore High Court (LHC) in protest against a delayed court verdict died in a hospital on Friday, his family confirmed.

Who Was Asif Javed?

The deceased, Asif Javed, was a union leader at a Kabirwala-based plant of a multinational food and beverage company. In 2015, he and several employees were sacked—allegedly due to their union activities.

Since then, Javed had been fighting a legal battle to get reinstated. The National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) had ruled in his favor, ordering his reinstatement and payment of dues. However, the company challenged the ruling in the LHC, where the case had remained pending for five years.

The Tragic Incident

On Tuesday, Javed attended a hearing in Justice Shujaat Ali Khan’s courtroom. After exiting, he doused himself in petrol, set himself on fire, and started screaming:

"I want justice!"

Eyewitnesses and security staff rushed to help. A police officer used a fire extinguisher, while others threw water and covered him with a shawl.

Rescue 1122 provided immediate medical aid, and Javed was shifted to Mayo Hospital. Initially, doctors reported his condition as stable, but he succumbed to his injuries on Friday.

Family Confirms His Death

Javed’s brother confirmed his passing to Dawn.com, stating that his brother had become desperate due to legal delays.

Delayed Justice: A Growing Concern

The case has reignited debate over delayed justice in Pakistan’s judicial system. Labour activists and legal experts have long criticized the slow processing of cases, which often leave plaintiffs in a state of financial and emotional distress.

Javed’s act of desperation is a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of judicial delays.
Tagged:

LahoreHighCourt

JusticeForAsifJaved

DelayedJustice
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