The body of the minor child, who fell into a manhole on Sunday night in Karachi, has been recovered after a gruelling , hours-long rescue operation.
Rescue officials say the child’s body has been found 30 to 40 feet away from the manhole where he fell after a 14-hour-long rescue operation. The devastating incident that occurred outside a shopping mall near the Nipa Bridge in Gulshan-e-Iqbal threw the city into grief and chaos.
The district administration says the child had been swept away in the manhole due to high water pressure inside.
Three-year-old Ibrahim, who had arrived happily with his family, fell into an open manhole on Sunday night and could not be found for 14 hours of intense search operations.
What began as a family outing turned into a nightmare that plunged the area into unrest, violence, and emotional scenes that brought many to tears.
According to the child’s father, the family had just stepped out of a shopping center when Ibrahim freed himself and ran ahead. He said their motorcycle was parked near the uncovered manhole — and the little boy fell into it before his eyes.
“There was no cover on the manhole… my son fell in front of my eyes,” the father said in a choked voice. “I don’t want to talk to anyone… what’s the use of appealing?”
Rescue teams continued searching for the boy through the night, using machinery and manpower despite growing obstacles caused by a violent riot in the area.
Mother’s cries shake city
Onlookers were left heartbroken as Ibrahim’s mother cried out, “Bring me my child…” Her voice moved everyone present. “There was a glow of life on his face… he came happily to shop,” a relative said.
The child’s grandfather appealed directly to the Sindh chief minister, urging authorities to speed up the rescue operation. “Until the child is found, I am standing here,” he declared.
Riots erupt: vehicles damaged, citizens, media teams attacked
As hours passed with no progress, anger erupted among locals. Protesters burned tires and blocked both tracks of the main road, halting traffic and even attempting to stop office-goers by force.
Windows of multiple vehicles were smashed, and citizens and journalists were subjected to violence. A Samaa TV DSNG van was damaged, and its cameraman was beaten during the chaos. The unrest severely hindered the rescue efforts.
When MQM leader Farooq Sattar arrived late at night, protesters shouted slogans, forcing him to leave immediately. Police appeared helpless as the situation spiralled out of control.
Protesters demanded the rapid deployment of heavy machinery and a full-force rescue operation, blaming government negligence for the tragedy.
Political tensions rise amid tragedy
Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed called the incident “very heartbreaking” and confirmed that rescue teams reached the site immediately after receiving information.
She criticized political rivals, saying Jamaat-e-Islami “only knows how to make noise.” She questioned where the funds allocated to towns were going and held past administrations responsible for poor infrastructure.
“The incident happened due to administrative negligence, and those responsible will be held accountable,” she said, adding that Neematullah Khan “turned Karachi into a concrete jungle.”
In response, Muneem Zafar from Jamaat-e-Islami accused the PPP government of mismanagement: “The PPP has been in power for 17 years — who is responsible?”
Rescue efforts continue despite obstacles
Authorities said the rescue operation had been sped up and heavy machinery was deployed. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab was urged to take immediate charge.
“Mayor, you also have children,” residents pleaded, demanding swift action.
Can't be held personally accountable: Wahab
Earlier today, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said, “I am in contact with all relevant authorities regarding the tragic incident at Nipa. We have excavated up to 500 meters, but the child has still not been found. I fully understand the anguish of the parents. Unfortunately, some people are politicizing this tragedy. I am obtaining CCTV footage of the incident so that a proper investigation can be carried out. Rescue efforts are actively underway to locate the child.”
Speaking to the media at the inauguration of a swimming pool, Mayor Wahab said, “You cannot hold me personally accountable. Everything must be examined thoroughly, and action will be taken in accordance with the law against anyone found negligent. It will be easy for me to shift blame by saying this area falls under the Jamaat-e-Islami town chairman, but the reality is that Jamaat-e-Islami only fears having its hypocrisy exposed. I wish this incident could be the last of its kind, but I cannot say that with certainty.”
When Samaa TV questioned Mayor Wahab about responsibility for the Nipa tragedy -- reminding him that the top trending topic on social media is a call for his resignation and that the PPP has governed Karachi for 17 years yet has not been able to ensure manhole covers are installed -- the mayor became visibly irritated.
He responded, “I am conducting a fact-finding exercise to determine who is responsible. I am accountable before my Lord. You should also answer responsibly. You are making a political speech; it would have been better had you asked a proper question.”
Wahab added that he had heard machinery was requested from the Water Board but was not provided, and he has instructed the MD Water Board to investigate the matter. “Those criticizing this administration are using the incident for political gain. Fifty-five percent of the manhole covers were handed over to UC chairmen. The city is vast; UC chairmen must regularly update us on local issues. The Water Board’s helpline number is 1334, and complaints are being registered there. However, no complaint was lodged regarding the manhole involved in the Nipa Chowrangi incident. Last year alone, 88,000 manhole covers were installed."
