Family mourns loss of breadwinner in signboard collapse incident

Deceased leaves behind expectant wife, four children and mentally challenged sister

KARACHI, PAKISTAN:

The family of a construction worker - 35-year-old Amir, who tragically lost his life on Monday due to a signboard collapse at the Nazimabad underpass in Karachi, is in deep mourning.

He leaves behind his pregnant wife and four young children. Amir was the primary earner for the household, making his demise a significant blow to the family.

The tragic incident underscores administrative negligence, robbing a family of their breadwinner and leading to health issues for cousin Kashif.

The wife of the deceased now bears the responsibility of taking care of their four children and managing the house rent.

Compounding the difficulties, the deceased's mother is paralysed, and the sister suffers from psychiatric illness.

Naseem, the wife of the late Amir, shared with The Express Tribune that her eldest son is 11 years old, while the youngest daughter is merely two years old. Three of the children are currently attending school.

Amir's role as the sole provider for the family was essential, especially considering they reside in a rented house.

Naseem, now a widow, expressed her concerns about raising her children alone amidst inflation.

Complicating matters further, she is expecting their fifth child next month and requires undergoing a C-section; however, financial constraints loom large as the landlord threatens eviction for the unpaid rent.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, the deceased's mother highlighted that Amir also bore the responsibility of his mentally ill sister. She laments her own disability, which prevents her from offering any help.

Amir's brother Waseem disclosed that the fallen signboard not only claimed Amir's life but also led to another cousin's hospitalisation due to injuries he sustained.

The other victim of the incident, Kashif, faces paralysis in half of his body with unbearable pain.

With Amir's demise, concerns arise about funding the education of his children, while the grieving wife has to struggle for household expenses.

The family urges the government to look into the matter provide justice.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30^th, 2023.