Public anger intensified in Gulshan-e-Iqbal after the death of three-year-old Ibrahim, who fell into an open manhole near Nipa Chowrangi, prompting residents to mount protest banners and demand accountability from local authorities.

Ibrahim slipped into the uncovered manhole on Sunday (November 30) night when his family, visiting from Shah Faisal Colony, stepped out of a private departmental store.

Rescue teams and residents searched through the night, but the child’s body was recovered nearly 15 hours later on Monday.

The incident has raised serious questions about municipal oversight in Gulshan Town.

Residents placed banners on open manholes bearing the words “talaash-e-gumshuda,” (missing person) targeting Gulshan Town Chairman Dr Fawad of Jamat-e-Islami (JI).

Several banners also carried the slogan “spend public money on the public,” criticising what they described as misplaced priorities and inadequate maintenance.

The tragedy has exposed long-standing issues in the area, including missing manhole covers and deteriorating road conditions.

Locals say complaints have gone unanswered despite repeated appeals, and accuse the JI’s town administration of focusing more on “photo activities” than fieldwork.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Wednesday visited the grieving family and apologised for the administration’s failure to respond effectively. He accepted responsibility for the incident and vowed action against those found negligent.

“I apologise as mayor. My top priority is to ensure no other child suffers the same fate,” he said, adding that the entire administration was deeply remorseful.

The death of the young boy has reignited debate over Karachi’s municipal safety standards, with journalists, political leaders and citizens calling the tragedy a stark reminder of the city’s fragile civic infrastructure.