Residents demand action after man killed in illegal blasting in Sillanwali

SARGODHA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Mar, 2026) Residents of Chak 126-SB on Sunday demanded strict action against officials of the Mines Department after a man was killed by a flying rock during alleged illegal blasting at a hill block in Chak 120-SB of Sillanwali tehsil.

According to an eyewitness, a farmer and resident of the locality, Abdul Razzaq, the victim identified as Muhammad Ansar, son of Zahoor Ahmed, was standing on private land some distance away from Hill Block No. 4 when he was struck by a rock propelled by a powerful blast conducted allegedly in violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

While staging a protest along with villagers, Abdul Razzaq alleged that Mines Inspector Mian Afzal and Junior Mines Inspector Waseem Abbas were negligent, claiming that leaseholders were allowed to carry out dangerous blasting activities despite repeated warnings about risks to human life and property.

He further stated that a written application highlighting the potential danger had been submitted to the Mines Department a few days before the incident, but the authorities allegedly failed to take action.

Local residents complained that such blasting activities not only endangered lives but also caused damage to agricultural land, standing crops and livestock in the surrounding areas.

The villagers appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court and the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take notice of the incident and ensure strict legal action against the responsible officials and leaseholders.