QUETTA: Labour leaders representing mine workers have called on the government to introduce comprehensive safety training and strengthen enforcement of labour laws in Pakistan’s mining sector, warning that preventable accidents continue to claim lives despite the industry’s significant economic contribution.
Leaders of the Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation (PCMLF) said the sector generates billions of rupees annually but fails to provide adequate protection for workers operating in hazardous conditions. In a joint statement, PCMLF Central Secretary General Sultan Muhammad Khan, along with union leaders Abdul Sattar and Abdul Halim Khan, highlighted what they described as systemic neglect of mine safety.
According to the federation, the widespread contractor system in mining operations has weakened compliance with labour and safety regulations. They argued that contractors often prioritise cost-cutting over worker protection, resulting in inadequate safety equipment, limited training, and poor monitoring of working conditions.
The labour leaders pointed to frequent mine collapses and gas emissions as recurring dangers faced by coal miners. They said that around 150 mine workers lost their lives last year, while more than 1,000 others were left disabled in coal mines across the country. These figures, they added, underscore the urgent need for reforms.
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The statement also noted a recent increase in mining accidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, attributing the trend to what the federation described as weak oversight and poor performance by mine department staff. The leaders called for greater accountability and more effective inspection mechanisms to address safety lapses.
In a press release, Sultan Muhammad Khan urged federal and provincial authorities to take immediate steps to improve working conditions for coal miners. He stressed the importance of regular and thorough mine inspections, recommending the use of modern machinery and technology to detect structural weaknesses and hazardous gas levels before accidents occur.
The leaders added that accidents have recently increased in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to the poor performance of mine department staff.https://t.co/NzYaSdBgVa
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) January 5, 2026
The federation also demanded the abolition of the contractor system, arguing that direct employment would make mine owners more accountable for worker safety and welfare. In addition, labour leaders called for mandatory safety training programmes to ensure that miners are better prepared to handle risks associated with underground work.
Mining remains a key source of employment in several regions of Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, labour groups say that without stronger enforcement of safety standards and investment in training and equipment, the sector will continue to pose serious risks to workers’ lives.
Government officials have yet to respond publicly to the federation’s latest demands.
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