A series of suspensions have been ordered after a child died by falling into an open manhole in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, triggering widespread criticism over negligence and official misconduct.
The Sindh government and police hierarchy have removed several administrative and police officers from their posts.
Following the incident, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Assistant Commissioner Aamir Ali Shah and Revenue Officer Salman Farsi were immediately suspended. The action extended to multiple municipal and utility officials.
Authorities also suspended Water Corporation Gulshan-e-Iqbal's EXEN Waqar Ali, as well as the Gulshan-e-Iqbal B&R EXEN. In addition, the Municipal Services director at KMC, Imran Rajput, was removed from his position.
Officials say these suspensions are linked directly to negligence that resulted in the child’s fatal fall into an open manhole, a recurring public safety concern in Karachi.
Police officers suspended over mishandling
Another set of suspensions emerged from a separate controversy involving police conduct after the tragedy.
Sources say the government “did not like” the manner in which police officials celebrated and encouraged the boy, who recovered the minor child's body from the drain, by calling him to the SSP office and placing a garland around his neck, an act viewed as inappropriate and insensitive.
In response, New Town DSP Moin alias Commando was removed from his post, with the Sindh police chief issuing a formal suspension notification. He has been directed to report to the Central Police Office.
The disciplinary action also includes the removal of the SSP East and other officers involved in the mishandling. Sources report that the police were reprimanded for calling the child to the office and staging the interaction instead of focusing on accountability related to the tragedy.
Govt response and public reaction
The swift suspensions reflect increasing pressure on administrative bodies to address municipal negligence and improper police behaviour. Public frustration has intensified over recurring open manhole hazards and what many view as a lack of urgency in preventing such fatal incidents.
