WORKING in the mines is a major source of income for Balochistan’s labourers. Unfortunately it is a very dangerous way of earning one’s living owing to the hazardous conditions under which these workers have to perform their duties.

It is unfortunate that the contractors who work these mines don’t provide adequate equipment and safety paraphernalia to workers who risk their lives for the sake of two meals for their families.

Less than a fortnight has passed in the new year and three labourers have died in a mishap. Last year 93 labourers lost their lives in different mishaps owing to this reason. Over the past few years, another 300 labourers have been killed in mine accidents that could have been avoided with better equipment and safety measures in force.

I appeal to the Balochistan government to take stringent action and legislate to protect mine workers.

Navid Ahmed Hameed

Gaddagi Makran

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2019