Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab assures probe into toddler manhole case

WEB DESK: The search for a toddler who fell into a manhole near a private shopping mall in Karachi continues, with city authorities actively involved, Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed. Expressing deep sympathy for the child’s family, Wahab said he personally feels distressed over the incident and assured that all efforts are being made to locate the child.

Ibrahim, went missing Sunday night after falling into an uncovered manhole near Nipa flyover in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area. Rescue teams arrived quickly but had to suspend operations due to a lack of heavy machinery, prompting local residents to bring their own equipment to assist. Ibrahim’s grandfather expressed frustration, and his mother reportedly fainted. The incident sparked protests at Nipa Chowrangi, with roads blocked and traffic diverted.

The mayor revealed that CCTV footage of the incident has been obtained and will be reviewed thoroughly to ensure a transparent inquiry. “Wherever administrative negligence is identified, action will be taken against those responsible,” Wahab added. He noted that the location where the child fell appeared to be a manhole, but there is also a drainage channel in the vicinity.

Wahab highlighted that over the past year, the Karachi Water Board has installed 88,000 manhole covers across the city, with 55–60 percent of these provided to local UC chairmen to address public safety concerns. The mayor stressed the city administration’s commitment to resolving citizens’ issues wherever possible.

He expressed regret over attempts to politicise the incident, saying, “It is unfortunate that every incident in the city is used for political purposes.” Authorities are also investigating why machinery for rescue operations was not immediately provided. The mayor assured the public that the investigation will be fully transparent and that all facts will be presented once the inquiry is completed.

Sindh government has launched an inquiry into the missing manhole cover, while city authorities, including KMC, KWSC, and SSWMB, continue efforts to locate the boy amid growing public concern.

Hafiz Naeem criticises Sindh government

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeem, has strongly condemned incident, noting that such accidents are not new in Karachi and have occurred hundreds of times without any effective action being taken. Highlighting the daily struggles of the city’s residents, Naeem criticised the Sindh government, pointing out that 98 percent of the province’s revenue comes from Karachi, yet its people continue to face unresolved issues despite paying taxes. He accused the provincial administration of misappropriating Rs 3,360 billion over 15 years and said the city’s condition is dire, with all powers concentrated in the hands of the mayor. Naeem emphasised that Karachi has no proper governance and called for immediate measures to address the infrastructure failures and protect citizens from recurring hazards.