Mayor offers public apology over toddler's death in manhole

Wahab meets grieving family, accepts responsibility

KARACHI:

Mayor Murtaza Wahab, while addressing a press conference late night on Wednesday, on the death of three-year-old Ibrahim in a manhole, said that the incident was unbearable, shameful, and extremely painful.

Wahab said that as a father, he could deeply feel the grief of the family. "I had no words when I heard the cries of Ibrahim's mother. I am also a parent, and as a father, I can imagine the pain this family is going through. May God never let another mother lose her child. We all have a responsibility to make this city safe. I, my team, and the entire city administration seek forgiveness."

The mayor said he would not indulge in blame games but would take responsibility. He said he visited Ibrahim's home, where he met the father, grandfather, and other family members.

Without blaming anyone, he apologized personally. "I told them that if they deem it appropriate, they may forgive me. This tragedy has caused me deep regret." He said that the city has 245,000 manhole covers, of which 88,000 new covers have been installed in the last year.

However, the use of heavier iron covers has resulted in drug addicts stealing and selling them at scrap markets. Even fibre covers are being stolen, and efforts are being made to prevent this.