The Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) held a rally in Duki to condemn the recent killing of 21 coal miners in an armed attack by militants last week. The demonstration saw a large turnout of party workers, supporters, and coal miners, led by PkMAP’s Secretary General, Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, and Nawab Ayaz Khan Jogezai.
Protesters marched through the town, carrying placards, banners, and party flags while chanting slogans against the attack. The march drew attention to the precarious situation in Balochistan, where coal miners face dangerous working conditions amid ongoing violence.
Addressing the crowd, Nawab Jogezai spoke about the difficulties faced by the Pashtun community, highlighting that while much of the world is focused on progress and prosperity, Pashtuns are struggling for basic needs like safety and survival. He called attention to the hazardous conditions in the coal mining industry, where the lack of safety measures and protections make it one of the country’s most perilous occupations.
Jogezai also criticized the widespread extortion in Sanjavi’s vegetable and fruit orchards and nearby areas, despite the presence of security forces. “The people, who contribute over 75 percent of their budget to defense, are still forced to pay security fees per tonne for coal,” he said, pointing to the inadequacies in the current security arrangements.
The rally emphasized the need for stronger safety regulations for workers and more effective measures to ensure the security of Balochistan’s residents amidst ongoing threats from militant groups.
