Citizens, media teams attacked; search continues for three-year-old Ibrahim
Karachi witnessed a heart-wrenching and chaotic night as three-year-old Ibrahim went missing after falling into an open manhole near a shopping mall close to the Nipa Bridge in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. Despite more than nine hours of nonstop rescue efforts, the child had not been located by Monday morning, plunging the area into grief, rage, and violent unrest.
According to the child’s father, the family had stepped out of a shopping center when Ibrahim broke free and ran ahead. Their motorcycle was parked close to an uncovered manhole.
“There was no cover on the manhole… my son fell in front of my eyes,” the father said, struggling to speak through tears.
Mother’s Cry Echoes Across the City
The scene grew deeply emotional as Ibrahim’s mother repeatedly cried out,
“Bring me my child…”
Onlookers described the parents’ anguish as “unbearable,” with relatives recounting how the child had arrived full of excitement.
Ibrahim’s grandfather appealed to the Sindh chief minister, saying,
“Until the child is found, I am standing here.”
Rescue teams continued searching the drainage system through the night, deploying machinery and manpower despite worsening conditions.
Riots Break Out: Vehicles Attacked, Media Targeted
As time passed with no breakthrough, frustration turned into fury.
Local residents burned tires, blocked both sides of the main road, damaged vehicles, and attacked commuters and journalists.
A Samaa TV DSNG van was vandalised, and the channel’s cameraman was assaulted by protesters.
Police appeared overwhelmed as crowds chanted angrily and demanded high-powered machinery for the rescue.
When MQM leader Farooq Sattar arrived, demonstrators shouted slogans, forcing him to leave the area.
The unrest severely obstructed the ongoing rescue efforts.
Political Blame Game Intensifies
Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed termed the incident “heartbreaking,” saying rescue teams reached promptly. She blamed political rivals, particularly Jamaat-e-Islami, for playing politics rather than assisting.
She called the tragedy a result of administrative negligence, promising accountability for those responsible.
In response, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Muneem Zafar countered sharply, saying:
“The PPP has been in power for 17 years; who is responsible then?”
He accused the Sindh government of poor governance and failure to maintain basic civic infrastructure.
Rescue Mission Continues Under Pressure
Authorities report that the search operation has now been accelerated, with heavy machinery being deployed across the drainage route.
Residents urged Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab to take urgent charge.
“Mayor, you also have children,” locals pleaded, demanding immediate, decisive action.
As of the latest updates, the rescue operation continues, with Karachi waiting anxiously, hoping for a miracle.
WHY THIS INCIDENT MATTERS FOR KARACHI
1. A Failure of Basic Urban Safety
An uncovered manhole in a densely populated commercial area highlights a recurring problem: civic negligence and lack of routine maintenance.
2. Repeated Tragedies, No Accountability
Karachi has witnessed similar incidents over the years. Despite public outrage, no sustainable system has been created to ensure safety audits or emergency response standards.
3. Breakdown of Public Trust
The violence and riots reflect collapsing trust between citizens and local government. People feel abandoned — and the emotional nature of this tragedy poured fuel on that resentment.
4. Political Leadership Missing at Critical Moments
Instead of coordinated action, political parties immediately shifted into blame mode. This deepens public frustration and delays real solutions.
5. Karachi’s Infrastructure Crisis
From drainage failures to broken manholes, the city’s fragile infrastructure continues to endanger lives. Without structural reform, such incidents will tragically repeat.