437 miners dead as Pakistan mining data raises serious questions

Islamabad: At least 437 mining deaths are reflected in the available provincial figures for Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, but the official record contains major differences in the numbers, leaving Pakistan without a clear and uniform national figure for miners killed in accidents during the period.

The figures show 63 deaths in Punjab, 160 deaths in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa summary and 214 deaths in the Balochistan annual record. Together, these figures total 437 deaths. However, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa section also separately records 73 deaths in 2023, 64 in 2024 and 77 in 2025, which adds up to 214 deaths instead of 160.

The difference of 54 deaths in the KP figures raises a serious question about the accuracy of the official data placed before Parliament.

The information was presented by Energy Minister Ali Pervaiz in response to a National Assembly question about workers who died or were injured during mining activities involving coal, oil, gas and precious stones.

In Punjab, 55 fatal accidents were reported during the three-year period. There were 21 fatal accidents in 2023, 20 in 2024 and 14 in 2025. Deaths stood at 22 in 2023, rose to 26 in 2024 and fell to 15 in 2025.

Punjab also reported 14 serious accidents and 20 injuries during the three years. The province recorded seven injuries in 2023, six in 2024 and seven in 2025.

The Punjab accident records show that coal mining areas were among the main danger zones. Chakwal was identified as the most affected district, followed by Khushab, while incidents were also recorded in Mianwali and Jhelum.

Areas mentioned in the Punjab records include Choa Saiden Shah, Dandot, Malot, Khajola, Dhok Jaba, Dalwal, Ara and Munara in Chakwal. Warcha, Arrara and Kathwai appeared in the Khushab records, while Makerwal coal mines in Mianwali also reported deadly incidents.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa figures are more serious and also more confusing. The annual record lists 73 deaths in 2023, 64 in 2024 and 77 in 2025. These figures total 214 deaths, while the summary section gives 160 deaths and 65 injuries.

The KP mining records cover coal, soapstone, limestone, marble and gypsum operations. Mining companies and lease holders named in the available record include Dostan Coal Company, Afridi Mushtarika Coal Mines, Akhurwal Qomi Mining, Bam Coal Company, Malak Nazar Gul Coal, Haji Iqbal Khan Gypsum, Nowshera Marble Factory, Tayaba Mining and Abaseen Marble Mining Corporation.

Balochistan also reported a high number of deaths. Its annual figures list 73 death cases in 2023, 64 in 2024 and 77 in 2025, totaling 214 deaths in the annual record.

The available document shows no accidents reported from Gilgit Baltistan. It also states that replies from Sindh and Azad Jammu and Kashmir had not been received, so the available record does not cover the entire country.

The causes listed in the accident records show the dangerous conditions inside mines. Workers were killed or injured in roof and rock falls, falling boulders, toxic gases such as methane and carbon monoxide, mine fires, equipment failures, broken haulage ropes, trolley accidents, blasting incidents and electric shocks.

Some deaths were also recorded as heart attacks while workers were on duty inside or near mining areas.

Compensation varies from one province to another. In Punjab, the stated package for a death includes Rs500,000 from the employer, Rs800,000 from the Punjab Workers Welfare Fund or government and Rs100,000 for funeral and transport expenses, making a total of Rs1.4 million.

In KP, death compensation or grants range from Rs1.2 million to Rs1.5 million for each affected family. Assistance for injured workers ranges from Rs240,000 to Rs800,000 depending on the nature and severity of the injury.

Balochistan reported Rs18.05 million distributed to mine workers in 2023, Rs9.76 million in 2024 and Rs2.7 million in 2025 according to the main figures in the official response. Another figure for 2025 appears in the detailed record, showing Rs25.236 million, creating a separate difference that also needs clarification.

The question and reply were laid before the National Assembly during the 29th session