The bodies of 12 miners trapped in a coal mine tragedy in Sanjdi, near Quetta, have been recovered. The remains of the deceased workers were sent to their hometown, Shangla, for burial.
Among the victims were two brothers, one of whom was under 18 years old. Both had left their home to escape poverty and support their family. A grieving relative shared, “The family had high hopes for them, but their untimely death has plunged the entire household into mourning.”
Illegal Mines: A Growing Concern
Ali Butt, a leader of the Central Mines Liberation, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He pointed out that illegal mines are the leading cause of such disasters. “All illegal mines operate under political influence,” he said. “There are no model mines in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that ensure safety or proper working conditions.” Butt called for a judicial inquiry to hold those responsible accountable.
Shangla’s Youth and the Risks They Face
An alarming 75% of Shangla’s youth work in coal mines, risking their lives daily due to poor safety standards and negligent operators. This latest coal mine tragedy highlights the urgent need for reforms to prevent further loss of life.
The incident raises serious questions about the lack of safety measures in coal mines across Pakistan. Environmental hazards, weak regulations, and operator negligence contribute to recurring accidents. Immediate reforms are necessary to ensure safer conditions for workers in these hazardous environments.
The heartbreaking loss of the two young brothers and ten other miners has cast a shadow over their communities. Local leaders and families demand justice and systemic changes to end the cycle of dangerous working conditions in coal mines.
