An unfortunate incident in which at least 18 workers killed and more than a dozen trapped after a rockslide at a marble mine in northwest Pakistan is so sad. It’s time for the civilian government to rescue trapped workers (“18 killed, more than a dozen trapped in Pakistan mine rockslide,” Sept. 9, Gulf Today).

Pakistan is a country that has around billions of tonnes of marble and granite reserves, mainly in the remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and rural Sindh.

The accident occurred in the Mohmand district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province. The rescue efforts are still under way after the rockslide.

According to reports, around 20 more miners were still believed to be trapped under the rubble with a rescue mission under way.

Labourers often rest at the bottom of the mountains after long working hours.

I would like to express my deep sorrow on the loss of precious lives and pray for workers who are still trapped in the mine.

I’m sure the civilian government of Pakistan will not leave any stone unturned to rescue the workers, and will support the injured workers and provide them the best health facilities for their early recovery.

Mashooq Raza — By email