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By: Khalid Mahmood
April 28 marks the International Day for Safety and Health at Work, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of ensuring safe working conditions for all workers worldwide. In Pakistan, this day serves as a critical reminder of the dire need to address the systemic challenges faced by workers in the country’s industries. These challenges are often marked by poor enforcement of safety standards, lack of adequate infrastructure, and insufficient worker awareness of their rights.
The Ali Enterprises fire tragedy in Karachi, which claimed the lives of over 250 workers in September 2012, remains one of the most devastating incidents in the country’s history. However, the past two years have witnessed numerous other fatal incidents that further underscore the need for comprehensive reforms in occupational safety and health (OSH). These incidents not only reflect the dangerous working conditions many workers face but also highlight the broader structural issues that prevent the implementation of effective safety measures.
Over the past two years, several workplace accidents and tragedies have brought attention to the inadequate safety measures in Pakistan’s factories, mines, and other sectors. Here are some of the most significant incidents:
- 2023 Karachi Factory Fire: On April 12, 2023, a fire broke out in two factories in Karachi’s New Karachi industrial sector. The fire, which quickly spread through the buildings, led to the tragic deaths of four firefighters and injuries to 13 others. During the rescue operations, part of the factory building collapsed, further compounding the tragedy. The fire raised alarms about the safety measures—or lack thereof—in Karachi’s industrial zones, where fire exits, proper firefighting equipment, and emergency response systems are often inadequate. This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent dangers workers face due to weak enforcement of OSH regulations. (en.wikipedia.org)
- 2024 Harnai Coal Mine Explosion: On March 19, 2024, a methane gas explosion occurred at a coal mine in the Harnai district of Balochistan. The explosion killed 12 miners and left eight others injured. The tragedy underscored the hazards of the mining sector, where workers are frequently exposed to dangerous working conditions. Coal mines in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan, have long been identified as some of the most unsafe places to work, with a lack of proper ventilation, outdated equipment, and minimal safety protocols. (apnews.com)
- 2024 Duki Coal Mine Attack: On October 11, 2024, a terrorist attack on coal mines in Duki district, Balochistan, resulted in the deaths of 21 miners. This incident highlights not only the security risks in conflict-prone areas but also the absence of comprehensive health and safety protocols for workers in high-risk environments. The miners were exposed to both the threat of armed attacks and the lack of basic occupational protections, making them doubly vulnerable. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Chemical Plant Explosion in Lahore (2024): In another devastating incident, on December 4, 2024, an explosion occurred at a chemical plant in Lahore, leading to the death of seven workers and severe injuries to at least 14 others. Preliminary reports suggest that safety protocols were not followed, and the plant lacked sufficient fire suppression systems and emergency exits. The blast sent shockwaves through the surrounding community, further emphasizing the dangers workers face in hazardous industries. (dailytimes.com)
Despite the existence of the Pakistan Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2018, many workers continue to suffer due to the weak enforcement of safety regulations. The Act was designed to provide a framework for the protection of workers, but its implementation remains inconsistent. A study by the Pakistan Engineering Council in 2024 found that a significant number of construction sites across the country lack basic safety measures, such as proper scaffolding, safety harnesses, and personal protective equipment (PPE). In fact, it was reported that over 40% of construction workers in Pakistan have experienced work-related injuries, a figure that highlights the inadequate OSH infrastructure.
Similarly, the textile sector, which is one of the largest employers in Pakistan, continues to face significant OSH challenges. A report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2024 revealed that a large proportion of textile workers are subjected to hazardous working conditions, including exposure to toxic chemicals, inadequate ventilation, and unsafe machinery. These conditions often lead to respiratory diseases, skin conditions, and other long-term health problems. The lack of enforcement of existing laws allows many employers to continue operating without providing the necessary safety measures for their workers.
Labour rights violations remain widespread in many sectors in Pakistan. Workers in factories, mines, and agriculture are often subjected to exploitative working conditions, including long hours, low wages, and insufficient social protections. The textile and garment industry, which supplies major global brands, has been particularly notorious for its labour rights abuses. A 2023 study by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) highlighted that workers in Pakistan’s garment factories often work in unsafe conditions with inadequate pay and no access to essential benefits like health insurance or pensions. Many workers are also denied their legal right to form unions or engage in collective bargaining, which further undermines their ability to protect their rights.
For instance, workers at garment factories supplying major brands in Europe have repeatedly reported that their safety concerns are ignored by factory owners, who prioritize profits over the well-being of their employees. In some cases, workers have been subjected to threats and intimidation for speaking out about safety issues. The lack of transparency and accountability in these factories allows such violations to persist with little to no consequences.
Women workers, especially in informal sectors like domestic work and agriculture, face heightened vulnerabilities. The Tripartite Labour Conference in November 2024 underscored Pakistan’s commitment to gender-sensitive OSH policies, aiming to better protect women workers in these sectors . However, the implementation of these policies remains inconsistent, and many women continue to work in unsafe conditions without adequate protection or recourse.International Labour Organization+1International Labour Organization+1
Pakistan’s legal framework includes The Pakistan Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2018, The Sindh Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2017, The Punjab Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2019 which set standards for workplace safety. Despite this, enforcement is weak, and many workers remain unaware of their rights. A report by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre in January 2025 highlighted urgent needs for labour reforms due to inadequate safety measures and poor enforcement in OSH .Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
In March 2025, Pakistan ratified three International Labour Standards, signaling a step towards aligning with global OSH norms . Additionally, the Pakistan Accord, launched in 2023, is a legally binding agreement focusing on factory safety and improved working conditions in Pakistan’s textile and garment industry. Signed by over 200 brands, the Accord aims to replicate the successes of the Bangladesh Accord, established after the 2013 Rana Plaza disaster, by improving health and safety measures to prevent similar accidents .International Labour OrganizationInternational Accord+3Vogue Business+3Wikipedia+3
The tragic incidents of the past few years, coupled with the persistent challenges faced by workers in Pakistan, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in occupational safety and health. As we mark the International Day for Safety and Health at Work, it is imperative that the government, employers, and workers themselves work together to address these issues. The safety and well-being of workers should be a priority, and it is critical that the law is enforced effectively to ensure that workers can carry out their duties without fear of injury or illness.