Rescue Operation Faces Delays Amid Government Inaction
In a heartbreaking incident in Karachi, the body of three-year-old Ibrahim was recovered on Monday after he fell into an open manhole on Sunday night. Rescue teams struggled to retrieve the child due to a lack of heavy machinery from government departments. Earlier, excavation and diving operations had been conducted with privately arranged equipment, but the search could not succeed.
Local residents protested against authorities for failing to act promptly. They said no government official, including the Karachi mayor, deputy commissioner of East district, or any elected representative, visited the site since the accident occurred. Machinery from a nearby BRT project was also not provided, hampering rescue efforts further.
The child’s father, Nabeel, shared that the family had visited Nipa Shopping Mall from Shah Faisal. Ibrahim broke free and ran ahead, falling into the uncovered manhole near the parked motorcycle. Residents highlighted that parking fees were collected at the site, yet authorities had not covered the drain, exposing children to danger.
Family and Community Demand Accountability and Justice
Ibrahim’s grandfather blamed government negligence for the tragic accident. “We called every office last night. Everyone listened and then hung up,” he said. He criticized the mayor for being unreachable and said that immediate action could have saved his grandson.
Protests intensified when MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar arrived at the site but was stopped by angry residents. He condemned the Sindh government and Karachi mayor for poor governance and unsafe roads. The family and locals staged a demonstration near Nipa flyover, blocking traffic by burning tires and urging authorities to provide proper safety measures for drains. Traffic police diverted vehicles due to the blockage.
The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation expressed sorrow over the incident but stated the area was not under its jurisdiction, saying stormwater drain maintenance is not part of its mandate. Residents called upon the Sindh governor, chief minister, and Karachi administrator Murtaza Wahab to treat the case as their own and ensure justice.
The tragic death of Ibrahim highlights long-standing safety issues with open manholes in Karachi, raising urgent calls for preventive measures, accountability, and immediate government action to protect children.
