The coal mines in Dukki, Balochistan, have remained closed for the past 17 days following a deadly attack on mine workers. Around 40,000 workers have since left the area, returning to their homes amid security concerns.
According to the district administration, both coal mine owners and labor unions have declared they will not resume work until adequate security is provided. This ongoing shutdown has disrupted coal supply to major cities, including Punjab, severely impacting distribution networks.
In response to the closure and the demands for security, the provincial government has stated that it is evaluating the situation and is in communication with local officials, mine owners, labor unions, and tribal elders to address the issue.
The mines were shut down after an attack on October 11-12, in which unknown armed assailants targeted residential quarters of mine workers in Dukki, resulting in the deaths of approximately 21 workers and injuring seven others.
As of now, no official statement has been issued regarding responsibility for the attack. Until security concerns are addressed, mine owners and labor unions have agreed to keep operations suspended.