Balochistan govt: FC, coalmine owners’ deal cancelled

QUETTA: Balochistan government has cancelled the contracts inked between coalmine owners and Frontier Corps (FC) for provision of security cover in the Harnai district of the province. Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch took notice of the direct contracts between security forces and coalmines’ owners for providing security. The direct contracts between mine owners and security forces were creating reservations. “Such contracts shall be suspended with immediate effect,” stated a press release issued by Balochistan government. “People being affected by cancellation of these contracts should approach the provincial government,” it said. Under such contracts, the FC was paid Rs220 on a tonne of coal. There are around 250 coalmines in Harnai district while some of the non-local mine owners had made contracts with security forces.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15^th, 2015.