Faisalabad Workers Demand End to Captive Coal Usage on Global Day of Action

Faisalabad, September 13 – In a powerful demonstration of labor solidarity, hundreds of industrial workers gathered in Faisalabad to protest the use and expansion of captive coal in Pakistan. The rally, held at Aman Ghar, was part of the Global Day of Action against Coal and organized by the Pakistan Labour Qaumi Movement and the Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee.

The protestors, representing a broad coalition of workers and activists, voiced their concerns over the severe health and environmental impacts of coal-based industries. Baba Latif, Chairman of the Pakistan Labour Qaumi Movement, addressed the rally with a stark warning about the escalating pollution crisis. “Our cities are plagued by pollution that has become a major health hazard for workers and laborers,” Latif declared. “The unchecked use of coal and fossil fuels is making our neighborhoods increasingly uninhabitable. In winter, Faisalabad transforms into a gas chamber due to smog, and the lack of environmental regulation exacerbates the problem.”

Latif’s remarks come as Pakistan considers returning to domestic coal to meet its energy requirements. Experts have cautioned that Pakistan’s lignite coal, being of low quality, could contribute significantly to environmental degradation if used in power generation.

Aslam Mairaj, a prominent labor leader, highlighted the detrimental effects of unregulated industrial practices on workers’ health. “Factories in Faisalabad often neglect essential environmental regulations, leading to severe health hazards for employees,” Mairaj said. “We urgently need reforms to ensure safer and more environmentally friendly working conditions.”

Farooq Tariq, General Secretary of the Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee, emphasized the need for a rapid and equitable transition away from coal. “The phase-out of coal must be swift and fair, supported by global funding. It is crucial to provide alternative jobs, livelihoods, and housing for workers and communities on the frontline of the climate crisis.”

The Faisalabad demonstration was part of a larger global movement, with over ten thousand people participating in climate marches across Asia. From September 13 to 20, coordinated actions are taking place in 72 cities and provinces, including the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India. These actions are calling for an end to fossil fuels and the fulfillment of climate finance commitments by developed countries in advance of the United Nations Summit of the Future in New York and the COP29 Summit in November.