WE often hear coalminers losing their lives in Balochistan after inhaling poisonous gas, or due to the collapse of some mine. There are hundreds of miners who work in inhuman conditions without any protective gear that leaves them vulnerable and at risk.

These are poor and uneducated people who have no option, but to work in these detrimental conditions owing to poverty and unemployment. They are exposed to poisonous gases, and end up getting all kinds of diseases, including tuberculosis and lung cancer.

Without having any medical cover, these workers are exploited by the mine-owners till they meet some tragic fate inside the mines. The government is culpable as well because it never takes any step against the owners.

The government must ensure that no miner is forced to work in such inhuman conditions, and the families of the deceased workers are given some meaningful compensation.

Eventually, it is the family of the coal- miner that bears the brunt of the exploi- tation in case of loss of their loved ones.

Danial Tanvir
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2024