Twelve power loom garment workers and trade union activists of the Power Loom Mazdoor Union Karachi , affiliate with National Trade Union Federation Pakistan (NTUF) were finally acquitted on August 29, 2014 after a trial that had dragged on for more than two years.

In 2012, the twelve workers were accused of extortion and terrorism under the Anti-Terrorist Act (ATA) for engaging in union activities. Six of them were arrested and severely tortured at a local police station in Karachi. They were later released on bail. All 12 of them then faced long trial with more than 100 hearings. The acquittal is now hoped to set a precedent for other cases and promote the respect for human and labor rights in Pakistan.

The National Trade Union Federation Pakistan (NTUF) supported on this case and brought the workers’ struggles and the trial to the attention of European Union Delegation to Pakistan and other relevnt forum.

The NTUF thanks all comrades , friends and organisations for thier solidarity and support.

Nasir Mansoor
Deputy General Secretary
National Trade Union Federation Pakistan ( NTUF )
www.ntufpak.org