Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Announces Strict Penalties for Manhole Cover Theft
Punjab Chief Minister **Maryam Nawaz** has announced strict measures against the theft, purchase, and sale of manhole covers in the province.
She stated that under the new law being introduced in Punjab, anyone involved in stealing, buying, or selling **manhole covers** could face **1 to 10 years in prison**. Additionally, if someone dies due to falling into a manhole, **fines worth millions of rupees** will be imposed.
The announcement follows recent incidents highlighting the dangers of uncovered or missing manhole covers. In Lahore, near Bhatti Gate by **Data Darbar**, a woman fell into a sewage line along with her 10-month-old child; their bodies were rescued after several hours of effort. Similarly, in **Sargodha**, a young girl fell into a sewer, but she was rescued in time and handed back to her father.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the new law aims to protect public safety and hold accountable those responsible for negligence or illegal activities related to manhole covers.
