KARACHI: The Sindh High Court on Monday ordered authorities to block passport, identity card and bank accounts of Hammad Siddiqui, an accused in the Baldia factory fire tragedy case.

In the Sindh High Court, the issue of repatriation of the absconding accused in three cases, including the Baldia factory tragedy, was heard. The federal interior secretary appeared in the court.

During the hearing, the court asked the federal interior secretary what steps were taken to bring Siddiqui back to the country. On this, the interior secretary said the accused had left Abu Dhabi in 2017. Justice KK Agha said he had already left Abu Dhabi before trial of the case began. Siddiqui had left Pakistan in 2013, the interior secretary said.

The court asked if the passport and identity card of Siddiqui were blocked. On this, the interior secretary said that Siddiqui’s passport had expired. The SHC ordered blocking of the passport and identity cards of Siddiqui, Taqi Haider Shah, Khurram Nisar, besides freezing their bank accounts.

The court said details of Siddiqui’s last landing in Pakistan should be furnished. The court sought a report on the absconding accused Taqi Haider and Khurram Nisar and also asked the prosecutor general Sindh for a list of absconding and advertising accused across the province.

The court issued a show cause notice to the secretary of external affairs for non-appearance and asked for a report from Nadra and the secretary of external affairs by October 2 on the next hearing.