A factory worker lost his life after being crushed by heavy machinery at Qartas Paper Mills in the Hattar Industrial Estate, Haripur. This tragic incident marks the second fatal industrial accident in the area within a month, intensifying criticism over poor safety measures.
The deceased, identified as Shan Haider, son of Umar Daraz, died instantly late Saturday night after falling into the machine during his shift. Labour union officials confirmed the fatality and described the difficult recovery operation, which took several hours before Haider’s body was retrieved from the equipment.
Following the recovery, the body was transported to the Rural Health Centre in Kot Najibullah for a post-mortem examination. The accident has sparked strong condemnation from local labour unions, who accused the mill’s management of gross negligence and failure to adhere to occupational safety regulations.
“Workers in Hattar Industrial Estate are being treated worse than animals,” stated the president of the local labour union, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. He blamed the management’s reckless disregard for safety protocols as the direct cause of the tragedy.
Labour sources highlighted that Qartas Paper Mills has a documented history of safety violations, both minor and severe, yet regulatory authorities have repeatedly failed to enforce compliance or impose penalties on the factory administration.
Notably, this accident follows closely on the heels of a similar fatality at Amber Chemical Factory, also located within the Hattar Industrial Estate, where a worker died due to the absence of proper safety equipment and procedures.
Workers and union representatives have expressed frustration not only with factory owners but also with government regulators responsible for safeguarding labour rights. Insiders from the industrial estate allege that labour department officials often overlook violations to protect influential industrialists instead of holding them accountable.
“The institutions meant to protect us are instead shielding the capitalists,” a senior union member said on condition of anonymity.
In response, workers are demanding a transparent investigation by the provincial labour department, safety watchdogs, and local police. Labour leaders have urged law enforcement to file a First Information Report (FIR) charging Qartas Paper Mills’ management with manslaughter or murder. They also called for legal action against officials who allegedly obstructed previous safety inspections.
Local police confirmed they are investigating the incident but have yet to register a formal criminal case.
