Showbiz Stars Mourn Toddler’s Tragic Death in Karachi Manhole Incident

Celebrities Demand Accountability After Child’s Fatal Fall

Pakistan’s entertainment industry has united in grief and outrage following the death of a three-year-old boy, Ibrahim, who fell into an uncovered manhole near Karachi’s Nipa flyover. Prominent actors Mahira Khan and Sajal Aly took to social media to condemn the negligence of local authorities, questioning the lack of accountability in the city’s crumbling infrastructure.

Mahira Khan, known for her role in Neelofar, expressed anguish over the tragedy, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Who the hell is answerable for Karachi in Karachi? Unimaginable apathy.” She highlighted the mother’s distress, emphasizing the need for systemic reform.

Similarly, Yaqeen Ka Safar star Sajal Aly shared her heartbreak on Instagram Stories, demanding: “Who is responsible for Karachi? Who is responsible for this collapsing failed system?” She lamented the absence of emergency response, stating, “A child lost his life today, and I cannot even begin to imagine what his parents are going through.”

Tragic Incident Sparks Public Outcry and Protests

The heartbreaking incident occurred when Ibrahim, who was shopping with his family, slipped from his father’s grasp and fell into an open manhole outside a departmental store. Despite frantic rescue efforts, his body was recovered 14 hours later from a drain one kilometre away.

Local residents reported making over 40 calls and emails to authorities overnight, yet only a single BRT engineer responded, while municipal officials allegedly engaged in blame-shifting. Frustrated citizens later blocked roads and burned tyres at Nipa Chowrangi, protesting the dangerous, 1.5-kilometre stretch dug up during the search, which now poses another safety risk.

Calls for Immediate Action and Infrastructure Reform

The tragedy has reignited debates over Karachi’s failing civic infrastructure and the lack of emergency response systems. Activists and citizens are demanding strict accountability from municipal authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.