Three-year-old Ibrahim’s tragic death has left Karachi heartbroken and angry. The young boy fell into an uncovered manhole near Nipa Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal on Sunday night, and his body was recovered after 14 hours of rescue efforts, found approximately one and a half kilometers away from where the incident happened.
Ibrahim was his parents’ only son. The family had gone shopping when the child ran ahead after slipping his hand away from his father, falling into the uncovered manhole outside a departmental store around 11pm. His father witnessed the horrifying moment, later telling media: “He fell right before my eyes, the manhole had no cover and a motorcycle was parked close to it”.
This tragedy is not isolated. Rescue sources report that 24 people have died in Karachi this year after falling into open manholes and drains,19 men and 5 children. These deaths expose the dangerous reality of Karachi’s crumbling infrastructure and negligent civic management.
The delayed rescue operation sparked massive protests. None of the civic agencies responded promptly until the family and local residents protested against their pathetic response. Frustrated citizens blocked roads, burned tires, and even attacked media personnel out of anger at the administration’s slow response.
The incident highlights a troubling pattern of bureaucratic confusion. Ibrahim’s mother expressed frustration, stating that KMC officials blamed the Water Board while the Water Board said KMC was responsible. This finger-pointing cost precious time while a child’s life hung in the balance.
Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed announced an inquiry to determine why the manhole lacked a cover, promising action against those found negligent. However, Karachi residents have heard these promises before. Political leaders from MQM and Jamaat-e-Islami condemned the administration, with many questioning how parking fees are collected but basic safety measures are ignored.
Ibrahim’s death demands more than inquiries and empty promises. Karachi’s authorities must immediately audit all open manholes, fix drainage systems, and enforce strict penalties for negligence. Ibrahim’s family deserves justice, and Karachi’s children deserve streets where they can walk safely without fear of disappearing into uncovered death traps.
