Uproar in Sindh Assembly after child dies falling into open manhole; MQM walks out

KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Monday witnessed strong protest from the opposition over the death of a young child, Ibrahim, who fell into an open manhole near Nipa Chowrangi.

Leader of the Opposition Ali Khursheedi sought to speak on the issue, but after being denied permission, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) members walked out of the House in protest.

Sindh Assembly Speaker Owais Qadir Shah chaired the session. At the start of the session, special prayers were offered for Ibrahim, the toddelr who died after falling into an uncovered manhole.

MQM lawmaker Iftikhar Alam condemned the incident, asking, “Will Karachi’s children continue to fall into gutters like this? When will the government put an end to such tragedies? Open manholes are an invitation to death. The child’s body was recovered after eleven hours.”

Jamaat-e-Islami MPA Muhammad Farooq said the grief of the child’s mother was unimaginable. He said that local councillors and the town chairman were present at the spot, yet Karachi’s mayor and district administration failed to respond.

“This is the third incident near the BRT Red Line. This must be investigated. How long will Karachi residents continue to bury their loved ones?” he questioned.

MPA Rehan Bandoqada, holding up the deceased child’s photograph, said, “This smiling face is no more. Think what it would feel like if it was your own son. We sit here like men wearing bangles.” His remarks moved several members to tears, with women MPAs Hina Dastagir and Heer Soho seen wiping their eyes.

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon expressed grief, saying the tragedy had pained everyone.

“This child could have been anyone’s. We stand with the bereaved family,” he said. He told the House that rescue teams reached the site immediately and pictures of the operation were available. Karachi’s mayor informed him that 88,000 manholes had been covered this year.

Memon said those responsible for negligence must be punished. “If this responsibility lies with me and I have failed, I should step down. Nothing is more valuable than a human life,” he added, assuring that strict action would be taken against any official found negligent.

Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi attempted to speak on the matter but Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony asked him to wait until the call-attention notices were disposed of.

When he was not granted the floor, MQM members protested loudly and walked out of the House, leaving several of their call-attention notices unheard.

During proceedings, multiple call-attention notices were taken up. MQM MPA Aamir Siddiqui complained that opposition members were not allowed to inspect development work in their constituencies.

He said the KDA spent Rs570 million on Jahangir Road but the road had deteriorated quickly, and demanded action against responsible officials.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Siraj Qasim Soomro responded that no project can be judged until completed, adding that drainage lines were still being laid under the scheme.

Other notices raised concerns regarding garbage burning on Baloch Colony Expressway and the condition of parks in Lyari.

Soomro assured that garbage-transfer sites and water pumps were being installed, and two parks would soon be completed.

The House also introduced an amendment bill for Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana, which was referred to the relevant committee.

During the question hour for the Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development Department, Parliamentary Secretary Syed Hassan Shah said 38,000 plants had been planted and mangrove plantation was underway. He added that the ban on plastic bags was held up in court and would be enforced once a verdict was reached.

Expressing anger over the absence of government officials during the session, the speaker directed that a letter be sent to the chief secretary seeking an explanation.

The session was adjourned until Tuesday noon.