PESHAWAR
The provincial government on Thursday suspended the district mining inspector of Orakzai for showing laxity after the ‘fatal incident’ of a coal mine explosion in the district.
“Engr. Muhammad Raziq, Inspector of Mines District Orakzai is hereby suspended with immediate effect after the fatal incident occurred in the Coal Mines on 30.11.2022 at District Orakzai,” said a notification issued by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa minerals department.
After a gas explosion in a mine in Orakzai’s Karez area, nine coal miners were killed and four other sustained severe injuries.
During the operation, six bodies were retrieved from the mines and four persons were successfully rescued in an operation launched with the support of locals and district administration.
According to reports, 13 miners were working inside the mines when it caved in.
Following the incident, the provincial department for minerals suspended the district mines inspector and launched an inquiry into the matter.
Asad Sarwar, deputy secretary operation of mineral department, has been nominated as inquiry officer to probe into the matter and to fix responsibility for any negligence or lapses on the part of the suspended inspector for district Orakzai.
The inquiry officer has been directed to submit his report within 15 days positively.
