Manhole tragedy: PPP leader Faisal Mir demands govt register murder case

LAHORE: Pakistan People Party (PPP) Lahore President Faisal Mir expressed deep grief and solidarity with the family of the innocent child and her mother who lost their lives after falling into an open sewer line in Lahore, and demanded the registration of a murder case against those responsible.

Talking to the media after visiting the tragedy site near Data Darbar, Faisal Mir said, “This is not an accident; this is criminal negligence. Two lives were lost because of the carelessness of those whose duty was to protect the public.”He said it was heartbreaking that more than 24 hours had passed, yet no provincial minister had bothered to visit the site. “This silence is painful; it shows how cheap human life has become,” he remarked. Addressing Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, he said, “No doubt, she is a hardworking leader, but this tragedy demands her personal attention. I request her to come here herself and see the suffering of the victim family.”

Faisal Mir revealed that local people had to place an iron sheet over the open manhole on their own, exposing the complete failure of the authorities. He also demanded a thorough investigation into what he called “the police’s attempt to cover up the incident,” terming it an insult to the victims.

He appealed directly to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharif, Hamza Nawaz, and Maryam Nawaz to stand with the grieving family and ensure real justice.

“The body of little Rida was recovered after 18 long hours,” Faisal Mir said with anguish. “This proves that not only was the child left alone in the darkness, but the government was asleep as well. Suspending a few officers is not justice. Those responsible must face a murder case under Section 302.” He announced that the senior leadership of the PPP would visit the victim’s home in Shorkot, adding, “We will not abandon this family. We will not allow this case to be buried. We will pursue justice until every responsible person is held accountable.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026