The tragic death of eight-year-old Dilbar Ali, who drowned after falling into an open sewer in Korangi, has sparked a political confrontation in Karachi between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the volunteer organization FixIt.
According to ARY News, tensions reached a breaking point on Monday when FixIt volunteers arrived at the site of the tragedy to install a manhole cover.
Their efforts were reportedly blocked by PPP workers, leading to a heated exchange. Witnesses stated that the volunteers were ultimately forced to leave the area without completing the task, taking their supply of covers back with them.
The incident occurred shortly after the victim’s father publicly condemned the city’s civic negligence. He revealed that the manhole had been left uncovered for over a month following a cleaning operation, despite the clear danger it posed to the community.
He has called on the government to take immediate action across the city to prevent further loss of life.
Locals have expressed outrage over the “politics of manhole covers,” criticizing the fact that humanitarian efforts are being obstructed by political maneuvering while deadly hazards remain unaddressed.
While the Karachi administration has yet to issue an official response, the clash has highlighted the deep-seated governance issues and the lack of accountability regarding the city’s crumbling infrastructure.
Eight-year-old boy dies after falling into open manhole in Karachi
