KARACHI: Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Shaikh on Wednesday directed for immediate establishment of a rescue centre for labourers working at the Lakhra and Jhimpir coal mines.

Chairing a meeting regarding safety, security, insurance and compensation of miners, he said that all necessary arrangement for the establishment of rescue centres would be completed on a priority basis.

The meeting was attended by officials and representatives of the Coal Mines Owners Association.

He further said that immediate steps should be taken for insurance and compensation for miners. He said that safety courses should also be started in this regard.

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah had given special instructions to give top priority to the safety of miners and to ensure provision of full medical facilities in case of any accident to them, he added.

The meeting was informed that in case of any accident while working in mines, Rs500,000 would be paid to the injured persons, while Rs1 million would be paid to the families of deceased.

The energy minister said that the construction of all the roads leading to mines should be completed and new contracts and renewals of mines should not be made until complete measures regarding their insurance and safety.