Often and on deadly incidents in coal mines demands to break the cycle of exploitation and prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the miners who toil in the darkness to bring this resource to light. The coal mines are dark and dangerous places where miners work, often from a young age, facing perilous conditions underground. Tragedy struck recently in Khost Harnai region when gas explosion took the lives of 12 miners, highlighting the ongoing disregard for miner safety in Pakistan. This is just one of many incidents reflecting the state’s neglect and failure to enforce proper regulations.

Despite the existing Mines Act of 1923 and the Coal Mines Ordinance of 1960, safety procedures are routinely ignored, leaving miners vulnerable to accidents and exploitation by profit-driven mine owners. Labor unions have been weakened over time, leaving workers with little recourse to demand fair treatment. It’s crucial for the government to prioritize miner safety over private interests and enforce regulations rigorously. The recent tragedies underscore the urgent need for accountability and reform in the mining sector. The chief minister of Balochistan must take decisive steps to prevent future accidents and ensure justice for victims.

We cannot ignore the plight of our miners any longer. We must end the cycle of negligence and tragedy by shining a light on safety and justice in our mines. Only then can we truly claim to be a nation that values the lives and rights of all its citizens, regardless of where they work. Miners in Pakistan often start working as young as 13 years old and endure years of hazardous conditions underground. Many are forced to leave the profession by the time they reach 30 due to the toll it takes on their health, without any support or safety net. The coal mines, both registered and unregulated, operate under conditions that are nothing short of deadly, lacking even basic protective gear for the workers.

The collusion between mine owners, contractors, and inspectors perpetuates these unsafe conditions, with outdated laws failing to prioritize miner health and safety. The government must take urgent action to implement international safety standards and ensure strict compliance to protect the lives of those who work in the darkness. Adding to the physical dangers is the exploitative nature of the industry. Many miners are recruited through a subcontractor system, leaving them with little to no bargaining power. Wages are meager, barely enough to sustain a family, and there are often no written contracts or benefits. Debt bondage is a harsh reality for many, with miners trapped in a cycle of repayment that keeps them tethered to the dangers of the mines.

The path towards a safer and more sustainable future for Balochistan’s coal industry is long and arduous. It requires a concerted effort from the government, mine owners, and NGOs. Ultimately, the goal should be to move towards cleaner sources of energy while ensuring a just transition for those currently employed in the coal industry.