PROVINCE REPORT
ALPURI: Youth leaders and civil society representatives from Shangla on Friday expressed profound grief over the loss of lives in the recent Quetta coal mine tragedy and urged the government to strengthen workers’ safety, protect labour rights, and create employment opportunities for the district’s youth.
Speaking at a press conference at the Shangla Press Club under the banner of Youth of Shangla, President Muhammad Idris, political and social leader Fazal Mabood, Advocate Manzoor Elahi, Ali-ur-Rehman, and Nawaz Khan said the deaths of young labourers had left the district in mourning and underscored the urgent need for improved workplace safety and labour protection.
The speakers said many young men from Shangla travel to hazardous workplaces in search of livelihoods due to limited employment opportunities at home. They called on the government to enact and enforce stronger occupational safety laws, ensure the protection of workers’ rights, and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The participants also demanded the establishment of a labour colony, a Working Focus Grammar School, educational scholarships for deserving students, and greater employment opportunities for Shangla’s youth. They further urged the authorities to take action against illegal coal mines and ensure strict implementation of mine safety regulations.
The press conference concluded with an appeal to the federal and provincial governments to prioritize the welfare, safety, and dignity of workers and their families, followed by a protest demonstration at Alpuri Main Chowk.
