28 mine workers killed, Parliament raises safety concerns

Islamabad: A serious safety crisis in Pakistan’s mining sector came under the spotlight after the National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development questioned why many mine workers remain unregistered even after losing their lives in dangerous mining accidents.

The committee expressed concern that families of deceased workers may struggle to receive compensation and welfare support because authorities lack complete records of people working inside mines. Members demanded immediate steps to register all mine workers and ordered a review of mining safety arrangements across the country.

The issue was discussed during the meeting of the Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, chaired by Syed Rafiullah, following a deadly coal mine accident in Balochistan. Members offered prayers for the workers who lost their lives and said repeated mining accidents show serious weaknesses in monitoring and enforcement systems.

During the discussion, committee members questioned officials about whether the workers who died in the accident were officially registered. Officials informed the committee that complete registration details were unavailable, raising concern among members about the protection available to mining workers and their families.

The committee questioned how workers could spend their lives working in dangerous conditions while government departments lacked basic information about their employment status. Members rejected the argument that many mine workers are seasonal employees and therefore difficult to register. They said anyone working in a mine, whether permanent, temporary or seasonal, should be counted as a worker and provided protection.

The committee stressed that registration should not depend on the type of employment. It said workers who risk their lives underground deserve safety measures, legal protection and welfare benefits. Officials informed the committee that worker registration involves different institutions, including provincial departments and labour related organisations. However, members questioned why coordination gaps continue despite years of discussions.

The committee also raised concerns over mine inspections and safety checks. Members asked when mines were last inspected, whether safety rules were followed and how many workers were present at different mining sites. Officials stated that mining safety falls under provincial responsibility, but the federal government cannot ignore the issue and must collaborate with provinces to improve worker protection.

The committee directed authorities to conduct a complete survey to identify how many mines are operating, how many workers are employed and how many workers are officially registered. The Federal Minister assured the committee that action would be taken and a long term strategy would be developed to ensure every mine worker is registered.

Another major concern raised during the meeting was the lack of emergency facilities near mining areas. Members questioned whether proper trauma centres, ambulances and emergency services were available near mines to save workers after accidents.

They pointed out that discussions about emergency facilities had taken place in previous years, but clear improvements were still needed. The committee said safety rules cannot remain only on official documents; they must be visible at mining sites through practical action.

Members also suggested reviewing mining leases and ensuring that mine operators follow safety standards before continuing operations. The committee recommended that all provinces and Gilgit Baltistan review mining conditions, worker registration systems and compliance with safety procedures.

Officials informed the committee that a survey would be carried out to assess the situation on the ground and identify gaps in the current system. The committee also discussed the Workers Welfare Fund and recommended taking up the issue of its management and distribution at the Council of Common Interests level.

Members stressed that workers across Pakistan must receive their legal rights and no labourer should remain invisible in government records.