KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly witnessed strong protests on Saturday as opposition lawmakers demanded strict accountability after the death of a three-year-old boy who reportedly fell into an uncovered manhole, calling the tragedy a result of severe negligence by civic authorities.
Raising the issue on a point of order, MQM-P lawmaker Iftikhar Alam condemned the incident and criticised the provincial government for failing to address the long-standing issue of open manholes across Karachi, including in cantonment areas.
JI MPA Muhammad Farooq went a step further, demanding the mayor’s resignation, saying repeated administrative failures had endangered public safety. PTI’s Rehan Bandukda also expressed grief and urged the assembly to introduce stringent laws to hold officials legally accountable for negligence leading to loss of life.
MQM-P Walks Out After Opposition Leader Not Allowed to Speak
Tensions escalated when Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed denied Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi the opportunity to speak on the matter, prompting a walkout by MQM-P members.
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Government Promises Inquiry and Accountability
Speaking on behalf of the government, Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon assured the assembly that those responsible would be punished, stressing the value of human life.
He said the chief minister had ordered an inquiry, directing the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to conduct a detailed investigation. Rescue teams reached the site immediately after the incident, he said, adding that visuals of the operation were available.
Speaking on a point of order, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan member Iftikhar Alam strongly protested the incident and asked when the provincial government would address the issue. https://t.co/pF9FyI5AgD
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 2, 2025
Mr Memon also quoted the mayor as saying that 88,000 sewer covers had been installed across the city this year as part of ongoing safety measures.
The minister said that if negligence was traced to any official—“or even to myself as minister”—strict action would follow. He also praised the opposition for raising the issue and reiterated that the strictest action would be taken against any officer found guilty.
