Coal Mines in Balochistan’s Dukki Shut Down After Deadly Attack
In Dukki, a region in Balochistan, Pakistan, coal mines have been closed for 17 days due to security concerns following a violent attack. On October 11-12, unknown attackers targeted the residential quarters of mine workers, resulting in the deaths of approximately 21 workers and injuring seven others. This incident has caused around 40,000 workers to flee the area in fear.
Medical officer Johar Sadozai reported that the victims were taken to Teaching Hospital Loralai. Initially, police reported two deaths, but the toll later increased to 20. Dukki, known for its mineral wealth, is located in southwest Balochistan, near the Afghanistan border, where increased militant activities have been noted due to Taliban control.
The Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) recently protested against the attack, highlighting the poor working conditions and lack of security for coal miners. Party leaders Nawab Ayaz Khan Jogezai and Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal criticized the situation, noting that despite significant defense spending, miners still pay security fees per tonne of coal.
The Balochistan government is currently assessing the security situation and working with local stakeholders, including officials, mine owners, labor unions, and tribal leaders, to find a solution. Meanwhile, coal miners demand better security and facilities before resuming work.
Doubts Revealed
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a province in Pakistan, which is a country that shares a border with India. It is known for its natural resources, including coal.
Dukki -: Dukki is a district in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. It is known for its coal mines where many people work to extract coal from the ground.
Coal Mines -: Coal mines are places where coal, a type of fossil fuel used for energy, is dug out from the earth. Miners work in these mines to extract coal.
Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party -: The Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party is a political party in Pakistan. It represents the interests of the Pashtun people, who are an ethnic group in the region.
Stakeholders -: Stakeholders are people or groups who have an interest or concern in something. In this case, they are people involved in or affected by the coal mining industry, like workers, government officials, and company owners.