The Sindh High Court has directed the chief secretary and others to file a comprehensive report along with suggestions and amended composition of the commission under the coal mining laws for the protection of the mining workers.
The direction came on a petition of Amjad Ali Khan, who sought protection and welfare of mining workers and constitution of an independent body to look after the welfare and well-being of mining workers.
The petitioner requested the court to direct the government to establish an independent institution of inspector of mines and it should not be under the influence of any person, including government and its departments.
The court had directed federal and provincial governments’ law officers to submit details with regard to the appointment of an independent person or an institution to protect the rights of the workers who are working in mines.
It observed that since the issue relates to the workers who were working in different mines; therefore, it will be appropriate to establish an institute to protect the rights of workers who are working in mines.
The court had observed that no one can deny that their job is very sensitive and in routine there happens mishaps while excavation; therefore, this is the duty of the state to ensure a complete mechanism of safety of such workers as well to ensure a proper and complete functional mechanism, as provided in the Mines Act 1923.
The high court observed that the Sindh Coad Act 2012 was also promulgated whose section 4 prescribed formation of a mining committee which shall be headed by the Director General Coal Mines and such other members as may be prescribed.
It had directed the federal and provincial governments to submit complete measures taken by them with regard to establishing any institute or mining committee of independent persons to safeguard the interest of workers of mines.
The SHC had directed the Director General Coal Mines to submit complete details of workers working in mines in Sindh, including the Thar Coal project, and said the counsel for the petitioner shall place on record declaration of United Nations or resolutions to assist this court. The provincial law officer sought time for the report and submitted that suggestions has been discussed with the concerned secretary.
A division bench headed by Justice Mohammad Faisal Kamal Alam observed that this is public importance matter and it will be appropriate that those who have good experience in the industry should also be associated.
The court directed the chief secretary and concerned secretary to file a comprehensive report along with suggestions and amended composition of the committee on next date of hearing.
Published in The News On August 22, 2025.