KARACHI, March 30: A three-year-old boy died after falling into an open manhole near New Sabzi Mandi area, prompting strong political reactions and renewed concerns over civic negligence in the city.
According to details, the child, identified as Ahsan from Fakira Goth, had gone missing a day earlier. His body was later recovered from a drainage manhole, local sources said.
Political leaders strongly reacted to the incident, with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh condemning the authorities, alleging that the manhole had been uncovered for several months, leading to the tragedy.
He said Karachi is facing severe civic neglect, claiming that despite generating significant revenue for the country, basic infrastructure and safety measures remain inadequate. He also expressed condolences with the bereaved family.
PTI Sindh Vice President Rizwan Niazi also criticized the government, stating that the city is struggling with multiple crises including poor drainage systems, water shortage, load-shedding, traffic accidents, and rising street crime.
He said deteriorating infrastructure, heaps of garbage, and governance issues have worsened living conditions for residents, calling for urgent corrective measures.
Both leaders warned of further public agitation if the situation is not improved, while demanding immediate action to address Karachi’s civic problems.
