ALPURI: Youth of Shangla expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of young labourers in the coal mine sewerage incident in Quetta.
Addressing the press conference, Youth of Shangla President Muhammad Idris, political and social leader Fazal Mabood, Advocate Manzoor Elahi, Ali-ur-Rehman, and Nawaz Khan called upon the government to take immediate and effective measures. According to reports, a total of 36 people lost their lives in the incident.
The speakers stated that 23 young men from Pir Abad village of District Shangla, aged between 17 and 21 years, had left their homes in search of livelihood, but their sudden and tragic deaths have plunged not only Shangla but the entire nation into mourning. They added that this tragedy is not only a matter of grief for the people of Shangla but also a serious challenge for those in power and all who claim to uphold justice.
They said, “We are tired of carrying the bodies of our youth. How long will the labourers of Shangla continue to suffer from oppression, exploitation, and helplessness?” They further lamented that, to date, neither effective legislation has been enacted to protect workers’ rights nor have their issues been adequately highlighted in the National and Provincial Assemblies or the Senate.
Political and social leader Fazal Mabood stated that the labourers of District Shangla play a vital role in the country’s economy, yet no effective voice has been raised for their rights. He emphasized that the sacrifices of these workers must not go in vain and that the government must take practical steps to ensure their protection and welfare.
During the press conference, the participants demanded that the government establish a dowry fund for the youth of Shangla, a Working Focus Grammar School, a labour colony, and special educational scholarships for deserving children. Furthermore, they urged the government to ensure dignified employment opportunities for the youth of Shangla so that they are not forced to undertake life-threatening and unsafe jobs.
The speakers also demanded the immediate closure of all illegal coal mines and called for effective legislation concerning workers’ safety, labour rights, and occupational protection measures in the mining sector to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
They appealed to the Government of Pakistan, the provincial government, and the relevant institutions to address the issues faced by the labourers of Shangla and their families on a priority basis by ensuring employment opportunities, safety, and a dignified life.
