Deep beneath the surface, in Pakistan’s coal mines, a suffocating darkness engulfs miners toiling hundreds of meters underground. This harsh reality is a far cry from the sunlit world most of us inhabit. It was in this unforgiving environment, a private mine in Balochistan’s Khost region, that tragedy struck again on Tuesday night.
A methane gas explosion ripped through the mine, claiming the lives of 12 miners. While eight were rescued from the debris, this is just one incident in a long line of such tragedies. In the first 10 days of 2024 alone, at least eight miners perished in similar accidents.
These deaths are a stark reminder of Pakistan’s ongoing disregard for miner safety. Children as young as 13 are often forced into this dangerous work, their bodies ravaged by years of exposure to hazardous conditions. By 30, many are left with broken bodies and no safety net to support them.
Pakistan’s coal mines, a mix of registered and unregulated operations, resemble death traps. Miners lack even basic protective equipment like masks and shoes. They face a constant threat from methane explosions, cave-ins, and long-term health risks to their lungs and eyes. Compounding the problem is collusion between mine owners, contractors, and inspectors, who perpetuate these deplorable conditions.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s (HRCP) demand for the ratification of ILO Convention 176 on mine safety should resonate with authorities, especially after this latest incident. The current Mines Act of 1923 is woefully outdated and disregards basic safety protocols.
The government must act decisively to untangle this web of neglect, corruption, and incompetence. Implementing and enforcing stringent safety regulations based on ILO standards is not just an obligation, but a moral imperative. It’s time to shed light on the plight of those who work in the darkness and ensure their safety is no longer an afterthought.
