Swabi/Swat: Families of two workers who lost their lives in a tragic mining accident at the Sorange coal mine in Balochistan have received immediate financial assistance of Rs10 million each.
The assistance was provided on the special directives of Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain.
Secretary Workers Welfare Fund Zulfiqar Ahmed visited the homes of the deceased workers in Jhanda Islam Pura, Swabi, and Tal Dardiyal in Kabal, Swat. He met with the bereaved families, offered Fateha and expressed his deepest condolences and sympathy.
During the visits, Zulfiqar Ahmed conveyed Chaudhry Salik Hussain’s message of solidarity to the grieving families. The Workers Welfare Fund also handed over financial assistance cheques worth Rs10 million to each family.
While no financial compensation can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, the timely assistance is intended to provide some immediate relief to families who have suddenly lost their breadwinners.
The Workers Welfare Fund said it has also been extending financial support to other families affected by mining accidents in Balochistan. Earlier, 32 affected families from Shangla and Alpuri were provided assistance of Rs10 million each.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Workers Welfare Fund Zulfiqar Ahmed said that the suffering of workers is a shared responsibility and that the Workers Welfare Fund would continue to stand by workers and their families during difficult times.
He acknowledged that no amount of money can replace a human life, but stressed that the government and the Workers Welfare Fund would not abandon the affected families and would continue providing assistance wherever possible.
He also highlighted the future of the deceased workers’ children, saying that the children of the deceased workers are considered part of the Workers Welfare Fund family. He assured the families that every possible effort would be made to support the children’s education and meet their basic needs so that the loss of their fathers does not destroy their hopes for a better future.
Zulfiqar Ahmed further said that, under the special directives of Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the welfare and protection of workers’ rights, along with timely assistance during crises, are being treated as key priorities.
He described workers as the backbone of the country’s economy and development, adding that protecting and supporting their families is an important responsibility of the state.
Representatives of workers’ organizations and the bereaved families expressed their gratitude to Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Zulfiqar Ahmed for reaching out to them so quickly and providing financial assistance.
The families said that receiving support at their doorstep during such a difficult period was a reassuring gesture and reflected a commitment to the welfare of workers and their families.
The Workers Welfare Fund assured the bereaved families that the sacrifices of their loved ones would not be forgotten. It also pledged to continue supporting the families, particularly in the education and future welfare of the deceased workers’ children.
