QUETTA: Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions (Safron) Amir Muqam has assured that the government will take all necessary measures to ensure the protection of coal miners in Balochistan, where lack of security arrangements has raised concerns.

Speaking to coal miners’ at a function on Friday, Mr Muqam stressed the government’s commitment to providing basic facilities to miners across the country, calling them assets of the nation. The minister also promised action to address safety issues in the mining sector.

The miners shared their concerns with the minister, particularly about the absence of security protocols in Balochistan’s mines, where hundreds of workers lose their lives in accidents each year.

Urges people in the province not to fall prey to anti-Pakistan campaigns

The minister emphasised that the government would provide workers with the necessary protections and benefits to prevent further tragedies.

He added that mines that are unsafe and where workers’ rights are violated will be shut down.

“There will be no compromise on the protection and rights of coal miners,” Mr Muqam stated, assuring that all legitimate demands of the workers will be addressed. As part of his commitment, the minister announced the provision of two ambulances for the miners.

On a separate note, the minister hailed the recent approval of the IMF’s $7 billion bailout package as a major achievement for the federal coalition government and hoped the deal would stabilise the economy.

“The political rivals of PML-N and anti-Pakistan elements tried their best to sabotage the financial deal and push the country into crisis, but their plans failed,” Mr Muqam remarked.

The Safron minister also spoke out against those attempting to disrupt peace in the country, urging the people of Balochistan not to fall prey to anti-Pakistan campaigns that seek to hinder the region’s progress.

“Those who destroy peace cannot be true Pakistanis,” he said, stressing that all citizens must contribute to maintaining peace. He declared that no force could separate Balochistan from Pakistan.

Mr Muqam also announced plans to fully operationalise Gwadar Port and connect it to Karachi by road, adding that the province’s mineral resources will be key to driving Pakistan’s future development.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2024