The perilous conditions in Balochistan's coal mines continue to claim the lives of poor laborers, highlighting the lack of adequate facilities and safety measures in place. Tragically, these accidents often go unnoticed, with little attention given to the lives lost and the impact on their families. The absence of accountability for mine owners and the government's failure to address these issues compound the ongoing crisis.
In 2022, a staggering 288 miners lost their lives in mining accidents across Pakistan, with the highest number of fatalities, 166, occurring in Balochistan. The situation remains dire, as the first five months of 2023 alone witnessed 18 accidents resulting in the deaths of 24 miners in Balochistan's coal mines.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, in its fact-finding report, expressed grave concern over the mine accidents in Balochistan in 2022. The commission demanded that the central government ensure the implementation of international laws to safeguard the lives and rights of miners. It is imperative that the federal government takes immediate action to address these concerns and protect the welfare of workers.
Balochistan is home to more than 3,800 active coal mines, employing over 100,000 workers who extract over 10 million tons of coal annually. Shockingly, coal mined from Balochistan accounts for more than half of Pakistan's total coal production each year. Despite the scale of mining activities, the lack of adequate safety measures and facilities has resulted in numerous avoidable tragedies.
The recent case of trapped miners Sharaf Khan and Abdul Baqi in Dukki district exemplifies the ongoing dangers faced by workers. Trapped for over a month at a depth of 900 feet, their families endure immense suffering and uncertainty. The world and media seem to have forgotten their plight, leaving the burden of rescue efforts solely on the shoulders of the workers' families.
Mines Inspector Maqsood Ahmad, responsible for over 1,400 mines in Dukki, admits that the Mines Department lacks essential rescue machinery and faces a lack of approved annual budgets. The absence of proper resources further hampers rescue operations, prolonging the agony of trapped miners and their families. Tragic incidents from decades ago, such as the case of seven trapped miners in Dukki, serve as haunting reminders of the risks miners face.
More than a thousand illegal coal mines operate in Balochistan without proper registration, flouting safety regulations and tax obligations. These unregistered mines continue to extract coal, profiting at the expense of workers' lives. The lack of reporting and accountability further exacerbates the already dire situation.
Sher Muhammad Kakar, a prominent advocate for miners' rights, emphasizes the urgent need for safety measures and prevention strategies to safeguard the lives of workers. The government and mine owners must allocate resources and prioritize workers' well-being to mitigate the daily loss of lives.
The plight of Balochistan's laborers in the coal mines demands urgent attention and action. The alarming statistics, calls for action from organizations like the HRCP, and the magnitude of the mining industry underscore the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of these workers. Governments, mine owners, and civil society must collaborate to enforce safety regulations, provide adequate facilities, and ensure prompt rescue operations. Only through concerted efforts can the lives of Balochistan's laborers be safeguarded, their contributions recognized, and their dignity restored.
References:
Statistics from the mining-related fatalities in Pakistan: Source: HRCP
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) report on mining accidents in Balochistan: Source: HRCP
Information on the magnitude of the mining industry in Balochistan: Source: Dawn
Details on trapped miners and lack of government support: Source: The Balochistan Post
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