Karachi, December 1, 2025: The body of a three-year-old boy, who fell into an open manhole near Nipa in Gulshan-e-Iqbal on Sunday night, was recovered on Monday after what officials described as “hectic efforts” spanning 14 hours.
The child, identified as Ibrahim, had accompanied his family for shopping. As he exited a store, he slipped and fell into the uncovered manhole. Rescue officials said the boy’s body was eventually found nearly 1.5 kilometres from the spot where he fell.
According to eyewitnesses, none of the concerned civic agencies responded promptly, prompting the family and local residents to stage protests over what they termed a “pathetic” and delayed response by authorities. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab later visited the site and directed officials to expedite recovery efforts.
Rescue teams arrived shortly after the incident was reported and began the operation to locate the child. However, residents and family members blocked the road, accusing the administration of failing to cover manholes and neglecting rescue responsibilities.
Rescue officials said excavations had to be carried out at five different locations during the night, but the absence of staff from key civic departments severely hampered the effort.
Sources confirmed that personnel from the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) did not reach the site for several hours.
Rescue officials also complained of not being provided with the machinery necessary for excavation. “No institution gave us the required equipment,” one official said.
The child’s father recounted that Ibrahim had slipped away while they were stepping out after shopping. Their motorcycle was parked near the uncovered manhole, and the boy fell in “right before his eyes”. The child’s grandfather, Mahmood-ul-Hassan, said Ibrahim was the parents’ only son.
Outraged residents blocked multiple roads around Nipa Chowrangi, burning tyres and pelting stones. Routes leading toward Hassan Square, Karachi University, and Gulshan Chowrangi were shut down.
The situation escalated as protesters also attacked media personnel, damaging vehicles belonging to private TV channels. A news crew from Dunya News was reportedly held hostage for some time.
Protesters criticised authorities, saying the media had been present throughout the night but the administration failed to show up. “What is the use of the media when the administration doesn’t come?” they questioned.
Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed said an inquiry has been launched to determine why the manhole was left uncovered and assured that action would be taken against those responsible.
Karachi Deputy Mayor Salman Murad also took notice of the tragedy, directing that all rescue agencies remain on high alert and instructing teams to recover the child without delay. Officials from KMC, the Water Corporation, and Sindh Solid Waste Management Board were later reported to be present at the scene.
Rescue authorities revealed that at least 24 people have lost their lives in Karachi this year after falling into open manholes and drains, including five children.
