Lahore manhole deaths triggered swift and stern action from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who ordered the arrest and dismissal of multiple officials over what she described as criminal negligence. The decision followed the tragic deaths of a woman, Sadia, and her 10 month old daughter Rida Fatima, who fell into an open manhole near Bhatti Gate in Lahore.
Chairing a high level meeting at the Lahore airport lounge, the chief minister directed Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar to arrest officials connected with the project. Those taken into custody included TIPA Project Manager Asghar Sindhu, Safety In charge Daniyal, Site In charge Ahmed Nawaz, and Wasa official Usman Babar. CM Maryam also ordered the immediate dismissal of the project director and the Wasa official, stating they should never be rehired so they fully understand the gravity of their actions.
Calling the incident equivalent to murder, the chief minister said negligence occurred at every level. She instructed that the victim’s family be compensated with Rs10 million, to be paid by the contractor responsible for the project. She further held senior officials, including the LDA director general, Wasa managing director, and Lahore commissioner, accountable for failing to ensure public safety.
In a strong statement shared on social media, CM Maryam said the loss of innocent lives in the heart of Lahore was not an accident but a crime. She condemned attempts to distort facts and hide incompetence, adding that officers unable to secure an open manhole have no right to hold public office.
“I will not rest until justice is served,” she declared, emphasizing that every life will be valued in Punjab, regardless of the power or position of those responsible. She warned that the era of negligent and dishonest officers was over and vowed to stand with the grieving family.
Police later confirmed the arrest of all three suspects named in the FIR, which was registered under Section 322 of the Pakistan Penal Code on the complaint of the victim’s father. The case states that negligence in leaving the manhole uncovered directly led to the Lahore manhole deaths.
