Staff Reporter:
Quetta, January 11 – Rescue operations continue as eight miners remain trapped deep inside the collapsed Sanjdi coal mine, over 48 hours after the incident.
Toxic gas and unstable debris have made rescue efforts challenging, with teams from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) working tirelessly. So far, four bodies have been recovered, while the fate of the remaining miners remains uncertain.
The tragedy has highlighted the lack of immediate government response, as no senior officials have visited the site.
Families of the trapped miners, enduring agonizing waits, have criticized the administration’s apparent indifference to the working class, who face life-threatening risks in unsafe mining conditions.
Balochistan Minister Orders Probe Into Sanjdi Mine Tragedy
Balochistan’s Provincial Minister for Mines, Minerals, and Finance, Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and ordered strict action against those responsible. He emphasized that ensuring miners’ safety is the government’s top priority, vowing that negligence would not be tolerated.
The minister directed a thorough investigation into safety lapses at the mine and demanded a detailed report from senior officials. “Those found guilty of negligence will face strict legal consequences,” he stated. The Chief Inspector of Mines confirmed that a case against the mine owner and the coal mining company has been requested from the district administration.
Call for Mining Reforms in Balochistan
Minister Nosherwani assured the victims’ families of the government’s commitment to providing compensation and adopting effective strategies to prevent similar tragedies. “Mine owners must implement safety protocols, or they will face severe legal action,” he warned.
This tragic collapse has once again exposed the urgent need for reforms in Balochistan’s mining sector. Poor safety standards and repeated accidents continue to endanger miners’ lives. As rescue teams race against time, the Sanjdi coal mine tragedy serves as a reminder of the pressing need for accountability, enforcement of safety laws, and systemic reforms in the mining industry.
