Father awaits justice even three years after child’s fatal manhole accident in Karachi

Atif Uddin, the father of Abyan, a child who died after falling into an open manhole in Karachi, has said he is still awaiting justice nearly three years after the incident.

In May 2023, six-year-old Abyan Uddin, student of class KG-II, was playing cricket with his 10-year-old brother Arib Uddin, and their friends when he slipped and fell into an open manhole and died.

Speaking about his efforts, Atif Uddin stated that he has approached multiple authorities, including the courts, but has yet to see any meaningful progress.

He noted that he had also raised the issue on a private television programme last year, where he informed Murtaza Wahab; however, no action has been taken since.

“It has been a year since that programme, yet justice has not been delivered,” he said.

Mr Atif Uddin added that while he recognises that no outcome can bring his child back, he is seeking accountability from the institutions he believes were responsible, including the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the Water Board.

He called for at least a formal apology for what he described as negligence.

He further alleged that despite attending court hearings with child witnesses, their statements have not been formally recorded by the presiding judge.

Mr Uddin has appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take notice of the matter and ensure that appropriate action is taken.