ISLAMABAD – The International Labour Organization (ILO) has expressed sorrow over the deaths of coal miners near Quetta, Balochistan, and called for stronger measures to improve safety and health standards in Pakistan’s mining sector.
In a statement, ILO Pakistan Country Director Geir Tonstol extended condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the incident.
He said no one should lose their life simply by going to work, stressing that the mining sector continues to face serious occupational safety and health risks.
The ILO urged Pakistan to ratify ILO Convention No. 176 on Safety and Health in Mines, saying stronger action is needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The organisation also reaffirmed its readiness to support efforts aimed at strengthening occupational safety and health in Pakistan’s mining sector.
Rescue workers have recovered 32 bodies during overnight operations after a methane gas explosion trapped miners inside two coal mines in the Sorange coalfield near Quetta. Efforts to locate two remaining miners continued on Friday, according to mining authorities.
The incident took place on Thursday at a privately operated mine in the Sorange coalfield, around 30 kilometres northeast of Quetta. Officials said the methane gas blast sparked a fire, led to the collapse of the mine, and also impacted a neighbouring mine.
According to the Chief Inspector of Mines, Balochistan, over 30 miners were working inside the two mines when the explosion occurred.
