Summary: The National Commission for Human Rights has urged the Federal Constitutional Court to ban manual sewer cleaning in Pakistan, citing extreme dangers to workers operating without proper safety gear. A recent worker death in Sindh underscores the urgent need for safer, modernized practices.
Ending Manual Sewer Cleaning in Pakistan
Manual sewer cleaning practices in Pakistan are under intense scrutiny, with the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) advocating for a complete nationwide prohibition. The NCHR has formally petitioned the Federal Constitutional Court to outlaw this inherently hazardous work, emphasizing the grave dangers faced by sanitation workers.
These individuals frequently operate without adequate safety equipment, protective gear, or training. Such omissions expose them to toxic gases and perilous environments, often resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. SindhNews.com has consistently reported on these critical issues impacting worker safety.
The Urgency to End Manual Sewer Cleaning
The Federal Constitutional Court registered the issue after another worker’s death in Sindh, occurring just one day prior to the NCHR’s appeal. This tragic event further amplified concerns regarding worker well-being and the pressing demand for modern, secure methods of sewer maintenance.
The NCHR asserts that those undertaking such tasks confront extraordinarily high risks. Their direct exposure to life-threatening conditions necessitates an immediate policy shift.
The court’s upcoming decision is widely anticipated. Hopes are high that this intervention will usher in an era of improved protection, better equipment, and substantially safer working conditions for all sanitation workers across the country.