What's Happening?
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has mandated the formation of a committee to address the welfare and registration issues of mine workers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. This decision comes in response to a petition highlighting the challenges faced by these workers,
including inadequate benefits and lack of basic rights. The committee, to be supervised by the Secretary Mines and Minerals, is tasked with reviewing the current welfare measures and proposing improvements. The court has directed the Chief Secretary to issue a notification for the committee's formation within seven days and has requested detailed reports from relevant parties for the next hearing. The petition was filed by Umar Zeb Mashwani, President of the All K-P Labour Association, and represented by Advocate Ishaq Ali Qazi. The court noted that existing benefits, such as disability and death compensations, are insufficient and emphasized the need for comprehensive protections, including insurance, pensions, and health facilities.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant as it addresses the systemic issues faced by mine workers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a sector that employs approximately 150,000 individuals according to the Labour Association. The court's intervention highlights the need for improved labor rights and protections in the mining industry, which is often characterized by hazardous working conditions. The establishment of a dedicated committee could lead to enhanced welfare measures, potentially setting a precedent for labor rights in other sectors. The decision underscores the importance of government accountability in ensuring the safety and well-being of workers, which could have broader implications for labor policies across the region.
What's Next?
The court has instructed all stakeholders to collaborate on a strategy to address the issues faced by mine workers and submit a detailed report within 60 days. The Mines and Minerals Department is expected to conduct field visits and issue notices to mine owners to facilitate worker registration. The court's directive for comprehensive welfare measures, including insurance and pensions, suggests that significant policy changes could be on the horizon. The outcome of this initiative could influence future labor reforms and improve the living conditions of mine workers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
