A heartbreaking tragedy in Karachi has sparked widespread outrage as a three-year-old boy lost his life after falling into an open manhole near the Nipa flyover. The incident has brought serious concerns about civic negligence back into public focus, with leading Pakistani actors calling for immediate accountability.
Tragic Loss of Three-Year-Old Ibrahim
The child, identified as Ibrahim, slipped into an uncovered manhole outside a departmental store while out shopping with his family. His father shared that the young boy briefly ran ahead before the accident occurred. Rescue teams later recovered Ibrahim’s body nearly a kilometre away and around fourteen hours after the fall.
Residents of the area said they contacted authorities over forty times. Although they made repeated calls and sent emails, they claimed that only one BRT engineer responded. Local bodies instead exchanged blame, leaving residents frustrated and helpless.
Public Anger Grows as Residents Protest
Following the tragedy, locals gathered at Nipa Chowrangi to protest the negligence. They burned tyres and voiced concerns about the dangerous stretch of land excavated during the search. According to residents, this 1.5-kilometre dug-up area has now become another hazard for commuters and pedestrians.
People living nearby said the uncovered manhole had been a threat for days. Their warnings reportedly went unnoticed, which added to the growing anger after the child’s death.
Mahira Khan Expresses Deep Grief Over the Incident
Renowned actor Mahira Khan shared her sorrow on social media. She expressed heartbreak over the mother’s cries and questioned the state of the city’s administration. She asked who is truly responsible for Karachi and its declining civic conditions. Her message reflected frustration many citizens feel as such incidents continue to occur.
Sajal Ali Calls the Tragedy ‘Heartbreaking’
Actor Sajal Ali also reacted strongly to the incident. She said the tragedy was deeply painful and called out the lack of responsibility shown by the concerned departments. She questioned how a system can fail so badly that a child loses his life due to something as preventable as an uncovered manhole.
She added that the family must have prayed for a miracle during the long rescue operation. She noted that due to a lack of functional systems, the child received no timely help.
A Call for Accountability and Safer Urban Management
The tragedy has renewed conversations about Karachi’s deteriorating civic infrastructure. Open manholes, broken roads, and delayed administrative responses continue to endanger residents. Public pressure is now rising as celebrities, citizens, and activists urge authorities to take responsibility and prevent future disasters.
The incident has become a painful reminder of the need for stronger safety measures, reliable governance, and timely action—especially in a city where millions rely on public spaces every day.
