Manan Mandokhail:
Quetta, 14 January: Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, chaired a high-level meeting with the Mines and Minerals Department and mine owners to address recurring accidents in coal mines.
The meeting was attended by Provincial Finance and Mineral Development Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Principal Secretary Babar Khan, Special Secretary Mines Muhammad Farooq, DG PDMA Jahanzeb Khan, and other officials. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Opposition Leader Dr. Ubaidullah Khan also participated.
Expressing grave concern over the increasing accidents, the CM criticized the poor performance of the Mines Department’s inspection teams, stating that the excuse of security challenges preventing inspectors from reaching mines was unacceptable. “Employees hired for specific duties must perform or resign,” he warned.
The CM also ordered the immediate arrest of accused individuals nominated in the Sanjdi coalmine incident and directed the suspension of the concerned inspector. Investigations into the incident were transferred to the CMIT (Chief Minister’s Inspection Team).
He emphasized adopting modern mining safety measures and ensuring regular mine inspections.
The CM instructed the Mines and Minerals Department to develop a comprehensive proposal for enhancing safety measures, pledging to provide all necessary resources.
Additionally, he ordered the prompt disbursement of compensation to workers killed in accidents and mandated the registration of all mine workers with relevant authorities.
The CM reiterated his commitment to implementing global mining safety protocols and equipping rescue and training teams with the latest technology to prevent such incidents.
