Sindh Assembly erupts in protest over death of toddler

Opposition lodges strong protest against municipal negligence; minister assures strict action

The Sindh Assembly witnessed tense and emotional session over the death of three-year-old child Ibrahim, who fell into a manhole near Nipa in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi. Opposition lawmakers registered strong protest over the incident in which a toddler lost his life.

The Speaker of the Assembly Owais Qadir Shah was in the chair when the session began with special prayer for the deceased child. Member of the provincial assembly, belonging to the MQM, Iftikhar Alam, criticised the government, asking how long Karachi’s children will continue to fall into uncovered drains and when authorities will take preventive measures and action against those responsible. He said, it was so sad that it took eleven hours to recover the child’s body.

Jamaat-e-Islami MPA Muhammad Farooq called for local officials’ accountability, stating that the mayor of Karachi and town administration were not present during the rescue operation. He metioned that this was the third incident along the BRT Red Line route, calling for a formal investigation.

PTI member Rehan Bandukda, holding a photo of the child, said that what would be the feelings of those responsible if such an incident happens to their loved ones. His emotional words brought tears in the eyes of several lawmakers.

Responding, Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it ‘extremely tragic’ and assuring that responsible officials would face strict action. He confirmed that Rescue teams reached the spot immediately after the incident was reported. He mentioned that 88,000 manholes in Karachi have been covered so far this year. 

Memon emphasised that human life is precious, and any lapse leading to such incidents would not be tolerated. The opposition sought to address the matter formally, but Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony restricted the Leader of the Opposition Ali Khurshedi from speaking at that moment, prompting MQM lawmakers to walk out in protest, disrupting proceedings. 

Several call attention notices were submitted during the session, including concerns about poor quality of local development work, encroachments on park lands, incomplete or faulty drainage system, and environmental issues. 

Parliamentary Secretary Siraj Qasim Somroo and others responded to queries, and mentioned the ongoing projects such as water pumps in parks and the completion of Kakri Ground football facility.

The Assembly also discussed amendments to the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University Larkana Bill. Environmental matters were addressed by Parliamentary Secretary Syed Hasan Shah, who highlighted plantation initiatives and mangrove restoration projects, along with the enforcement of ban on plastic bags pending court decisions.

Frustration over the absence of government officials led the speaker to order a formal letter to the chief secretary, seeking explanations for non-attendance during the question hour. The session was adjourned to meet again on Tuesday afternoon.