Karachi Mayor Orders Probe Into Nipa Incident, Warns Against Politicising the Tragedy

Karachi: Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab has ordered an inquiry into the incident near Nipa Chowrangi where a child fell into an open manhole, clarifying that it was not a sewage line but a stormwater drain. He expressed solidarity with the grieving family and condemned attempts to politicise the tragedy.

Speaking to the media in Karachi, Wahab said he fully understands the pain of the child’s parents and assured them of every possible support. He added that some individuals tried to exploit the incident for political gains, which he described as unfortunate.

The mayor said that a **500-meter section** has already been excavated, and search efforts are underway. CCTV footage is being reviewed to determine what happened. He has directed the Managing Director of the Water Corporation to conduct a thorough investigation, including who allegedly halted machinery, promising legal action if negligence is confirmed.

Wahab stated that over the past year, **88,000 manhole covers** have been installed, and Water Corporation has supplied covers to **55% of UC chairmen**. He added that an inquiry will determine why a manhole near a departmental store and hospital in a central area of the city was left open, for how long, and under what circumstances.

He reiterated that last night’s incident was intentionally politicised by certain groups seeking to use the tragedy for political purposes. He maintained that Water Corporation had not received any complaints prior to the incident.

“I stand with the affected family,” Wahab emphasized. “I am part of the government, and such provocative statements only hinder solutions.” He noted that both the town administration and KMC work on stormwater drains and confirmed that the matter will be investigated from every angle.

Wahab also pointed out that the town chairman of the area belongs to Jamaat-e-Islami, adding that while assigning responsibility to the party may lead to criticism, he would not hesitate to expose hypocrisy.