QUETTA: The National Labour Federation (NLF) Balochistan, while expressing serious concern over the deteriorating safety situation in coal mines, has demanded reforms in mine safety in the wake of the recent coal mine tragedy that claimed 34 lives.

Speaking at a press conference, NLF Balochistan General Secretary Umar Hayat said the province had 196 mining companies operating nearly 3,000 coal mines, yet only 17 mine inspectors were responsible for monitoring safety standards, describing the number as “grossly inadequate”.

He said the victims were the sole breadwinners for their families, noting that 24 of the deceased belonged to the same village, while six were from a single family, including three brothers, a cousin and two close relatives.

Labour federation says shortage of inspectors, failure to comply with standards put miners’ lives at risk

He added that the latest incident was the third major accident in the past two years involving the same mine owners’ group.

Mr Hayat criticised the state of emergency response services, claiming that several ambulances used to transport the bodies were in poor condition, with some lacking functional air conditioning, while others were transported on the roofs of Hiace vans, calling it “a violation of human dignity”.

He demanded the immediate ratification and implementation of ILO Convention 176 on Safety and Health in Mines, along with the establishment of an independent, high-powered inquiry commission to investigate the Sorange mine disaster and identify those responsible.

He also called for the mandatory installation of modern gas monitoring systems, proper ventilation, emergency exits, rescue equipment and certified safety gear in every mine. The chief inspector of Mines and the Mines Inspectorate, he said, should be granted administrative autonomy, modern equipment and adequate staffing.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2026