DUKI: Concerns mount over the fate of nine coal miners abducted from the Duki area of Balochistan province, with no sign of their recovery despite the passage of considerable time.
The miners, abducted in two separate incidents on March 23 and 27, 2024, have yet to be recovered, prompting apprehension among other coal miners in the region. Among the abducted coal miners included Momin Khan son of Rozi Khan, Hamdullah son of Sadoo Khan, citizens of Afghanistan, Johar Khan son of Saleem Shadozai, resident of Yaru Sher, Duki, Shah Khan son of Bahadur, Bacha Khan son of Khair Badr, resident of Shangla, Khyber Pushtunkhwa, Ghafoor Batuzai, Hamayun Jalalzai, Shakoor Mirzai and Qaim Sheikh,,residents of Killa Saifullah.
Criticism has been leveled at the district administration of Duki and Frontier Corps Balochistan for what some see as inadequate efforts in securing the miners’ safe return. Office bearers of the Pakistan Workers Federation accused authorities of offering mere lip service instead of launching a robust operation to rescue the abducted individuals.
In response, the Pakistan Workers Federation has announced plans for a protest demonstration in Duki city on April 26, 2024.
The abduction of the miners has not only raised concerns for their safety but has also led to a downturn in coal mining activities in the area, as workers fear for their own security. Efforts to address the situation and ensure the safety of all workers in the region remain a top priority for authorities.