Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has clarified that the child who fell into an open manhole near Nipa last night slipped into a rainwater drain, not a sewage line. He expressed deep grief over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family, while criticizing attempts to politicize the tragedy.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Wahab said he fully shares the pain of the child’s parents and assured them of complete support. He said it was “extremely unfortunate” that some individuals tried to turn the incident into a political issue.

The mayor said that a 500-meter area has been excavated and the search operation is still underway. He added that CCTV footage is being reviewed to determine what exactly happened.
Wahab said he has instructed the MD Water Corporation to investigate reports that machinery was blocked during the operation, warning that strict legal action would be taken if negligence is proven.

He revealed that 88,000 manhole covers were installed in the past year and that 55% of UC chairmen have already received covers from the Water Corporation. Wahab said an inquiry will determine how the manhole near a department store and hospital was left open, who was responsible, and for how long it had remained uncovered.

He reiterated that some people tried to politicize the incident, even though the Water Corporation had received no prior complaints about the manhole.

“I stand with the affected family. I am part of the government and believe that provocative statements do not solve problems,” Wahab said. He added that both the Town administration and the KMC work on storm-water drains and that a thorough investigation will be conducted.

Wahab also pointed out that the Town Chairman of the area belongs to Jamaat-e-Islami, saying that if he shifted the blame toward the party, critics would react — but he would “expose hypocrisy” where necessary.