Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab Takes Responsibility After Child’s Death in Open Manhole Incident

Karachi — Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of young Ibrahim, who fell into an open manhole, saying he takes full responsibility for the incident rather than engaging in blame games. “I have no words for the cries of Ibrahim’s mother. I apologize to the Almighty and to the child’s family,” he said.

Speaking to the media after visiting the victim’s home in Shah Faisal Colony, the mayor said he met the child’s father, grandfather, and other family members. He said Ibrahim’s grandfather requested that measures be taken to ensure no other family suffers a similar tragedy. “The family is going through immense pain and grief, so I avoided lengthy discussions there,” Wahab stated.

Murtaza Wahab confirmed that multiple officials have been suspended following the incident. “Suspensions are just the beginning. An inquiry has started. As per the chief minister’s directives, the relevant engineer of the Water & Sewerage Corporation, KMC’s senior municipal services director, the assistant commissioner, and the mukhtiarkar have been suspended. SSP East and the DSP are also being removed. We want to set an example so such incidents never happen again,” he said.

The mayor admitted that the emergency response at the scene was inadequate. “There were around 12–14 people standing around, which hindered rescue efforts. It was our responsibility to manage the situation and prevent interference,” he said, adding that equipment brought from the nearby Federal Urdu University site could not be utilized due to crowding.

He also highlighted the recurring issue of manhole cover theft. “Installing manhole covers is not the problem—there are 245,000 covers across the city. In one year, we have installed 88,000 new covers. But even fiber covers get stolen. Police know where stolen materials are sold,” Wahab remarked.

Concluding his statement, the mayor reiterated that he stands accountable: “I will not indulge in political blame. I take responsibility.”