Protest staged against Nipa Chowrangi tragedy

A protest was staged at Nipa Chowrangi on Tuesday against the tragic death of a three-year-old boy, Ibrahim, who fell into a manhole on Monday, triggering widespread criticism over the mismanagement by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation the mayor and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation.

The demonstration, led by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi's Deputy Ameer and KMC Opposition Leader Saifuddin Advocate, condemned government indifference and the alleged incompetence of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the KWSC.

Addressing the gathering, Saifuddin Advocate said the responsibility for providing manhole covers lies with KMC and the Water Corporation. He demanded that Mayor Murtaza Wahab resign, holding him accountable for the incident. Protesters carried banners and placards with slogans such as "Resign Mayor Murtaza Wahab," "Don't turn the city into a graveyard," and "Put covers on manholes or go home." One banner displayed Ibrahim's picture with the words: "Whose hands should I seek my blood from?"

Speakers accused the mayor of shifting blame onto town chairmen instead of accepting responsibility. Saifuddin alleged that only 25 covers were provided to a union council, whereas thousands are needed, and insisted that it is not the responsibility of town or UC chairmen to arrange covers from their own budgets.