Standing committee reviews Balochistan mines health and safety bill 2026
The Standing Committee on Minerals of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly emphasized that modern legislation is essential to safeguard workers, ensure effective monitoring, promote safe and sustainable mining, and encourage responsible utilization of mineral resources along with investment opportunities in the province
The Committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Ghulam Dastagir Badini to review the Balochistan Mines Health and Safety Bill 2026.
The meeting was attended by committee members Khair Jan Baloch and Zabid Ali Reki, Provincial Minister for Minerals Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Assembly Secretary Tahir Shah Kakar, Additional Secretary Law Saeed Iqbal, Director General Mines and Minerals Abdullah Shahwani, Deputy Director Law Ehsan Barkat, Waseem Ahmed, and mine owners.
The committee was informed that two prior meetings had already been held on the bill, and in the last session it was decided that the Law Department, mine owners, and relevant stakeholders would consult further and present their recommendations to the committee.
Participants highlighted that mining operations in the province are still governed by the outdated Mines Act 1923, whereas modern mining practices, machinery, occupational health and safety standards, emergency response, and monitoring requirements have significantly evolved. In this context, the need for a comprehensive and modern provincial law was emphasized.
The committee deliberated on various clauses of the bill, including provisions related to non-bailable FIRs, compensation (Diyat), and other legal and administrative matters. It was decided that mine owners and stakeholders would submit written recommendations, which the committee would review before deciding whether to incorporate them into the bill.
Members stressed that Balochistan’s mineral resources are vital for the province’s economy and employment opportunities. The committee expressed determination to promote an investment-friendly environment while ensuring that all stakeholders operate within the framework of law.
It was agreed that another meeting would be convened to review the written proposals and finalize progress on the Balochistan Mines Health and Safety Bill 2026.