Nestlé Pakistan has come under scrutiny after laborer Asif Javed tragically ended his life within the premises of the Lahore High Court. Asif Javed, a former employee of Nestlé Pakistan, had been fighting a legal battle for nine years after being dismissed from his job for forming a labor union. His struggle for justice came to a devastating end when he set himself on fire, exposing the harsh realities faced by workers at the hands of corporate giants like Nestlé Pakistan.
Despite a ruling from the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) reinstating him, Nestlé Pakistan refused to comply and challenged the decision in the Lahore High Court. The case suffered continuous delays, with Nestlé Pakistan using legal tactics to prolong proceedings while Asif Javed struggled to survive. Forced into poverty, he sold his house and spent years traveling from Multan to Lahore, hoping for a verdict in his favor, but Nestlé Pakistan’s influence ensured that justice remained out of reach.
In sheer desperation, Asif Javed set himself on fire inside the Lahore High Court premises. While being taken to the hospital, he repeatedly demanded justice but succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind five orphaned children. His tragic death has sparked outrage among labor activists who hold Nestlé Pakistan accountable for his suffering.
Labor leader Liaquat Ali Sahi condemned Nestlé Pakistan for its exploitative policies and criticized the judiciary for siding with corporations instead of vulnerable workers. He demanded immediate action against Nestlé Pakistan, urging the government to ensure justice for Asif Javed’s family and penalize companies violating labor laws.
Following public pressure, the Chief Justice of Pakistan ordered an inquiry, but instead of addressing Nestlé Pakistan’s refusal to comply with legal orders, the court focused on tightening security to prevent future suicides within the premises. This decision has been widely criticized for ignoring the real issue—corporate exploitation and judicial delays that favor companies like Nestlé Pakistan.
Despite multiple requests for a response, Nestlé Pakistan’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Sheikh Waqar Ahmed, and Corporate Manager Public Affairs & Media Relations, Muhammad Rahat Hussain, have remained silent and even blocked journalists seeking Nestlé Pakistan’s official statement. The International Labor Organization and human rights activists have also failed to condemn Nestlé Pakistan’s actions.
Asif Javed’s family is now pleading for justice and compensation, demanding that Nestlé Pakistan be held accountable for his death. His case has exposed the harsh reality of corporate power and legal loopholes that allow Nestlé Pakistan and similar companies to exploit workers without consequence. Without urgent intervention, more workers may face the same fate, and Nestlé Pakistan’s role in labor exploitation will remain unchecked.
