Two Afghan miners die in Duki

In a tragic incident that has once again cast a shadow of death over Balochistan's coal mines, two young Afghan miners suffocated after poisonous gas filled a local coal mine in the Chamalang area of Duki district.

The victims were identified as Gul Walid and Nanai, both hailing from the Alizai tribe and holding Afghan nationality. The two men had come to Pakistan in search of livelihood and were working in the dark, hazardous tunnels of Chamalang to support their families.

According to police sources, the miners were busy working inside the mine when it suddenly filled with toxic methane gas. The concentration of the gas was so high that both workers lost consciousness within moments and died on the spot.

Their fellow miners raised the alarm and attempted an immediate rescue, but by the time help arrived, it was too late. Rescue teams later recovered the bodies from the mine. Police reached the scene, completed legal formalities, and handed over the bodies to the heirs.

The grieving families have decided to transport the bodies to their ancestral areas in Afghanistan for burial.

Chamalang is well-known for the quality of its coal, yet safety arrangements in its mines remain virtually non-existent. Over the past few years, dozens of miners have lost their lives due to toxic gas accumulation, explosions, and inadequate ventilation.

Experts say such deaths can be prevented if mine owners install modern gas alarm systems, proper ventilation equipment, and provide safety helmets and other protective gear.