Visiting the world of Pakistan's coal mines, hidden in the heart of the Kallar Kahar mountains of Chakwal, I encountered a cast of unsung heroes who play a vital role in the nation's economy. These heroes aren't the miners who risk their lives daily but the resilient donkeys who toil tirelessly alongside them. This is the story of these unsung heroes and their challenges in one of the world's most treacherous workplaces. In the depths of Pakistan's coal mines, both humans and donkeys embark on a perilous journey daily. Descending thousands of feet into the earth, they work diligently to extract coal, a valuable resource that fuels the nation's economy. While these mines are vital, the hard-hitting truth is that the donkeys working in these dark depths face a tragically shortened lifespan compared to their counterparts in other fields. This grim reality reflects the high human and animal cost of coal mining in Pakistan. A miner with years of experience in the coal mines of Chakwal district explained that they work tirelessly for 10 to 11 hours a day, underscoring the indispensable role of donkeys in this dangerous endeavour. Without these animals, extracting coal becomes nearly impossible. A single donkey can extract about one ton of coal daily, but the treacherous conditions limit them to just 10 to 12 rounds per day. The miners shared their experience, revealing that out of their initial donkeys, some have perished, while others have succumbed to injuries, illness, or weakness, primarily due to the perilous mine climbs. Addressing the medical needs of these injured donkeys is a daunting task. They explained that they call for a doctor who provides various treatments, including sprays, medicines, injections or drips. Additionally, indigenous remedies are employed for minor ailments. However, transporting a sick donkey to a hospital is nearly impossible due to the challenging mountain routes. These challenges highlight the urgent need for improved medical facilities in these mines. Feeding donkeys in the coal mines is a costly endeavour. They are primarily nourished with specific feeds, which can be expensive. Given these expenses, the meagre daily earnings of a donkey are barely sufficient for survival amidst rampant inflation. The financial burden on the miners to provide for their donkeys underscores the need for industry support and regulation. The miners expressed discontent with the lack of facilities provided to workers within the coal mines. There is no official accommodation, beds or medical facilities, and the workers themselves bear all expenses. This lack of basic facilities serves as a stark reminder of the need for industry and government support to improve working conditions. Another miner emphasised the critical role donkeys play in their operations. Their absence leads to wage loss for the workers. They revealed that donkeys in these coal mines have a maximum working lifespan of only two years, after which they often die or become unfit for work. This shortened lifespan is a tragic consequence of these animals' harsh working conditions. When workers fall ill, the company issues referrals for doctor visits. However, the treatment provided is often minimal, consisting of just a few pills and a syrup. Workers are treated in nearby cities, and without a referral, even this limited medical assistance is denied. The shortage of medical support highlights the urgent need for better healthcare facilities for both workers and donkeys in these mines. Regarding the living conditions of workers, they often return home to their families every two and a half to three months. The separation from their families is an unfortunate reality for most coal miners working in these remote mines. The isolation and separation endured by these miners underscore the necessity for better living conditions and support. Dr Rab Nawaz, a community animal health officer at Brooke Hospital for Animals in Chakwal District, emphasised the harsh reality faced by donkeys in the coal mines. They noted that these donkeys start working at a young age, around four to five-years-old, and typically serve for three to five years before their hard work takes its toll. Their lifespan is considerably shorter compared to donkeys in other industries. This stark difference in lifespan highlights the need for industry-wide change to improve the welfare of these animals. It was also pointed out that medical facilities are scarce in these remote, mountainous areas, leading owners to rely on ineffective home remedies. These remedies include feeding specific items, applying certain powders to wounds, and administering treatments like putting oil or ghee in a donkey's nose. The use of such ineffective remedies underscores the importance of education and support for better veterinary care. Syed Naeem Abbas, the advocacy manager of an animal rights organisation, stressed the need for government intervention in ensuring the welfare of these animals and their human caretakers. They called for three key steps to be taken: The Livestock Department should extend its services to working animals in the mountains. The Coal Mine Owners Association should provide basic necessities for the animals. The Mines Labour Welfare Department should develop programmes for both humans and animals involved in mining. Government intervention is essential to address the challenges faced by these donkeys and their human counterparts in the coal mining industry. After my visit to the coal mines in Pakistan, the plight of donkeys reveals a critical issue that demands attention and intervention from both governmental and non-governmental organisations. The conditions these animals endure, alongside their human companions, are harsh and dangerous. Urgent action and support are necessary to improve their well-being and ensure their rights are protected. It's time to shine a light on these unsung heroes and make the changes needed to safeguard their welfare in the coal mines of Pakistan. All photos: Kamran Saqi
QOSHE - Unsung heroes: The humans and donkeys of Pakistan's coal mines - Kamran Saqiaccount_circleinfobrightness_mediumcancel
Visiting the world of Pakistan's coal mines, hidden in the heart of the Kallar Kahar mountains of Chakwal, I encountered a cast of unsung heroes who play a vital role in the nation's economy. These heroes aren't the miners who risk their lives daily but the resilient donkeys who toil tirelessly alongside them. This is the story of these unsung heroes and their challenges in one of the world's most treacherous workplaces. In the depths of Pakistan's coal mines, both humans and donkeys embark on a perilous journey daily. Descending thousands of feet into the earth, they work diligently to extract coal, a valuable resource that fuels the nation's economy. While these mines are vital, the hard-hitting truth is that the donkeys working in these dark depths face a tragically shortened lifespan compared to their counterparts in other fields. This grim reality reflects the high human and animal cost of coal mining in Pakistan. A miner with years of experience in the coal mines of Chakwal district explained that they work tirelessly for 10 to 11 hours a day, underscoring the indispensable role of donkeys in this dangerous endeavour. Without these animals, extracting coal becomes nearly impossible. A single donkey can extract about one ton of coal daily, but the treacherous conditions limit them to just 10 to 12 rounds per day. The miners shared their experience, revealing that out of their initial donkeys, some have perished, while others have succumbed to injuries, illness, or weakness,........
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