200 Deaths in Coal Mine Incidents Over Past Two Years: Reports

News Desk 

Peshawar: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), shedding light on the challenges faced by coal mine workers, has called upon relevant authorities to enforce safety protocols to shield them from accidents and health hazards.

This demand was articulated by Vice Chairman of HRCP KP, Akbar Khan, Regional Coordinator Shahid Mehmood, and Member Ejaz Mohmand during a joint press conference held at the Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday.

The press conference aimed to disseminate the findings of a fact-finding report compiled by an HRCP mission investigating the deaths of three coal mine workers in Darra Adam Khel (Kohat) on October 20, 2023.

Akbar Khan disclosed that the mission had established that the fatalities of the three coal mine workers were a result of persistent negligence regarding occupational safety standards and protocols.

It was observed during the visit that interviewed workers were not equipped with proper safety gear to mitigate mining hazards, and they exhibited a lack of awareness regarding standard mining safety practices, as per HRCP officials.

The mission also noted that another mine in the same district had no reported history of mining accidents. Additionally, meetings were conducted with coal mine workers, the president of coal miners, a labor union, and local doctors during the investigative process.

The HRCP mission discovered approximately 436 registered coal mines solely in Darra Adam Khel during its investigation. 

HRCP officials have highlighted a concerning trend in the coal mines of Darra Adam Khel, reporting seven deaths between January 1 and 17 alone, and approximately 200 casualties over the past two years.

Tragically, this neglect extends to the realm of record-keeping on accidents, compounded by insufficient healthcare access.

The nearest hospital, critically under-resourced and distant from the mines, exacerbates the situation, often resulting in worsened patient conditions upon arrival for treatment.

The mission emphasized the inadequate application of rules and protocols outlined in the KP Mines Safety, Inspection, and Regulation Act 2019 at the visited mines.

They recommended reforming this legislation to align it with mine management structures, emphasizing meticulous record-keeping of mining practices to ensure adherence to protocols.

Furthermore, the government’s responsibility lies in ensuring the formal registration, contracting, and training of every coal mine worker, along with provision of decent pay and working conditions to enhance their well-being and safety.

Lastly, Pakistan is urged to ratify ILO Convention C176, aimed at safeguarding the safety and health of mine workers. Strictly regulated and enforced safety practices are imperative in the coal mining industry to uphold the labor rights of coal miners.