A tragic incident occurred in Satellite Town Bhalwal, Pakistan where three Christian sanitary workers lost their lives while clearing a blockage from a water disposal tank. The workers—identified as Irfan Masih (35 years old), Babar Masih (30 years old), Ratan Masih (34 years old), and Naeem Masih—arrived at the disposal tank around 6:00 am to address the issue.
On Wednesday 12th June Babar Masih and Naeem Masih descended into a sewage disposal tank to dig out the sewage on the floor of the tank, then fill iron pots, which were to be pulled up by Ratan Masih and Irfan Masih using ropes. During this operation, the workers inhaled poisonous gases emanating from the tank.
By 6:30 am, when the blockage was almost removed, sewer water began filling the tank, releasing strong gusts of deadly gases. Both Naeem Masih and Babar Masih succumbed to these gases and fell unconscious. In a courageous attempt to rescue their colleagues, Ratan Masih and Irfan Masih immediately descended into the tank. They successfully brought Naeem Masih to the surface but fell unconscious themselves when they descended again to rescue Babar Masih.
Despite their heroic efforts, Ratan Masih and Irfan Masih, along with Babar Masih, could not withstand the poisonous gases and lost their lives. Naeem Masih, the only survivor, is currently receiving treatment at Civil Hospital Faisalabad.
Sheraz Masih, a pastor at a local church, informed the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) that “Ratan, Irfan, and Babar had died before their bodies were removed from the disposal tank.” The supervisor, Nadir Masih, immediately called 1122 (the Rescue Team) and informed the families of the four sanitary workers. The rescue teams swiftly arrived at the scene and retrieved the bodies of Irfan Masih, Babar Masih, and Ratan Masih.
All four workers were taken to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital (THQ) Bhalwal, where doctors declared Irfan, Babar, and Ratan dead. Naeem Masih, however, was referred to District Headquarters Hospital Sargodha for further treatment. Around 10:00 am, the dead bodies were handed over to their families after postmortem examinations.
The grieving families of the deceased workers took the bodies to the office of Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) and protested against the poor management and unsafe working conditions of the Municipal Department. The protest, which lasted for two hours, ended when a municipal official assured the families that justice would be served for the deaths of Irfan Masih, Babar Masih, and Ratan Masih.
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) team traveled from Lahore to Bhalwal, braving the intense summer heat and covering a distance of 230 kilometers, to meet with the families of Irfan, Ratan, and Babar Masih and attend their funeral services. BACA provided comfort and financial support, covering the entire cost of each funeral.
Sheraz Khan, a pastor at a local church, told BACA, “The incident occurred due to the unavailability of any safety equipment or clothing. Only in Pakistan are men sent into the depths of a sewer while wearing their underwear. None of the men were even given strong gloves to avoid infections or rope burns, no safety boots, no gas masks, or protective suits. This is an international outrage.”
Irfan Masih was a permanent employee of the Tehsil Municipal Authority. He is survived by his wife, Sanober Bibi (30 years old), and his three sons, Joshua (13 years old), Danish (10 years old), and Iven (7 years old). The family currently resides in a rented house. The loss of Irfan Masih has undoubtedly placed a significant emotional and financial burden on his family.
Ratan Masih was employed on a contract basis and lived in a rented house in Satellite Town, Bhalwal. He is survived by his wife, Farhat Bibi (28 years old), and two daughters, Anmol Bibi (8 years old) and Zainab Bibi (4 years old).
Babar Masih resided in a rented house in Saleman Pura, Bhalwal. He leaves behind his widow, Sawera Bibi (28 years old), and two sons, Aman Babar (2 years old) and Sawal Masih (4 years old).
Naeem Masih, who is currently undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital Faisalabad, lives in a rented house in Christian Colony, Waraich Town, Bhalwal. His wife, Mehwish Bibi (32 years old), works as a maid in the homes of Muslim families. They have a son, Eric Masih (2.5 years old).
This tragedy has deeply affected the families of the deceased, leaving them with considerable emotional and financial burdens. The families urgently require assistance to meet their living expenses. The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) is committed to providing each family of the deceased with six months of support at £100 per month. This aid aims to alleviate the financial strain caused by the loss of the main breadwinners’ incomes. It is intended to offer the families some relief and stability as they navigate through this difficult time, helping them to rebuild their lives and regain financial independence.
If you would like to contribute to this cause and help these families in their time of need, please consider making a donation through the following link (click here). Your generosity can make a significant difference in their lives.
Health and Safety Laws and Non-Compliance in Pakistan’s Sewage Industry
The sewage industry in Pakistan is fraught with significant health and safety risks, primarily due to hazardous working conditions, including exposure to toxic gases, infectious waste, and physically demanding tasks. Despite these dangers, compliance with health and safety regulations is often severely lacking.
Health and Safety Regulations in Pakistan
Pakistan has laws in place designed to protect workers in various industries, including the sewage sector. These regulations mandate the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, boots, gas masks, and protective clothing. Additionally, there should be training programs on safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and regular health check-ups. One example is the Pakistan Occupational Health
and Safety Act 2018 (click here).
Non-Compliance and Consequences
Non-compliance with health and safety laws in Pakistan’s sewage industry is alarmingly common. Many workers, especially those on temporary or contract employment, are forced to work without even the most basic protective gear. This negligence has severe and often fatal consequences. The recent tragedy in Bhalwal, where three sanitary workers lost their lives due to exposure to poisonous gases, highlights this critical issue.
Globally, it is estimated that thousands of sewer workers die annually due to unsafe working conditions. In Pakistan, the exact number of fatalities is not well-documented, but reports indicate that many such deaths go unreported or are not officially acknowledged, exacerbating the problem.
Improving Safety Standards in Pakistan
To improve safety in Pakistan’s sewage industry, several measures can be implemented:
- Enforcement of Existing Laws: The government must strictly enforce health and safety regulations and hold employers accountable for non-compliance. Regular inspections and penalties for violations can act as strong deterrents.
- Provision of PPE: Employers must ensure that all workers have access to and are trained in the use of appropriate PPE. This includes gloves, boots, gas masks, and protective clothing.
- Training and Education: Comprehensive training programs should be mandatory for all sewage workers, focusing on safety protocols, the use of PPE, and emergency response procedures.
- Health Monitoring: Regular health check-ups should be conducted to monitor workers’ health and detect any early signs of illness due to hazardous exposure.
- Technological Solutions: Investment in technology, such as robotic systems for sewer inspection and cleaning, can significantly reduce the need for human entry into hazardous environments.
- Public Awareness and Advocacy: Raising public awareness about the dangers faced by sewer workers and advocating for their rights can help drive policy changes and improve working conditions.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said:
“The tragic deaths of Irfan Masih, Ratan Masih, and Babar Masih in Bhalwal underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures such as those we propose above. By prioritizing the health and safety of sewer workers, Pakistan can prevent such needless loss of life and ensure that these essential workers are protected and respected. Implementing and enforcing stringent safety standards, providing adequate protective equipment, and investing in worker training and health monitoring are critical steps toward improving the safety and well-being of sewage workers in Pakistan.”
