People who steal, buy and sell manhole covers will be sent to jail: CM Maryam

CM Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, has announced that the provincial government will introduce a new law making theft, purchase and sale of manhole covers a punishable offence, with jail time between 1 to 10 years. 

Addressing an event in Lahore, Maryam stated that tough penalties are part of efforts to improve public safety across Punjab. 

Moreover, she claimed that if a person dies after falling into an uncovered manhole, the responsible people or authorities could face heavy fine in addition to imprisonment.

The announcement by the CM came after multiple incidents where people, including children, fell into open sewers. 

CM Punjab said the new measures will accompany ongoing sanitation and safety initiatives, including increased surveillance under the Punjab government’s cleanliness and public safety programs. 

According to reports, the legislation is expected to be presented to the provincial assembly soon and, if passed, could become one of the strictest regional laws targeting infrastructure-related crimes in Pakistan.