When ‘fake news’ becomes a shield: Lessons from the Lahore manhole tragedy
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By Our Correspondent
In an age when misinformation can travel faster than verified facts, the label “fake news” carries enormous power. Used responsibly, it can protect the public from falsehoods. Used prematurely, it can, according to media observers, risk limiting transparency. The tragic deaths of a mother and her infant daughter near Data Darbar in Lahore have brought this debate into sharp focus.
The incident occurred late Wednesday night near Bhatti Gate, close to the shrine of Data Darbar, when a family returning from paying respects reportedly fell into an uncovered manhole. The mother, later identified by police as Saadia, was swept away by the sewer flow. Her body was recovered from the Outfall Road disposal area. After an 18-hour search, Rescue 1122 divers found the body of her three-month-old daughter near Saggian, several kilometers downstream.
In the initial hours after the incident, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari publicly described reports of the mother and child falling into a manhole as “fake,” citing preliminary assessments by rescue teams and the local administration. She said the identified sewer hole was “technically incapable” of allowing a person to be swept away, and that inspections suggested no accident had occurred at the spot.
Subsequently, DIG Operations Lahore Muhammad Faisal Kamran confirmed the deaths and said Safe City Authority cameras traced the family’s movements, including their arrival by rickshaw, their walk to the shrine, and their return route where the open manhole was located. According to police, CCTV footage corroborated the husband’s account and helped investigators reconstruct the sequence of events. The DIG also clarified that the husband was not in custody and was only questioned to obtain information related to the case.
Rescue 1122 mounted a large-scale operation involving more than 50 personnel and multiple teams working continuously. Officials said their efforts ultimately located both bodies far from the point of entry, reflecting how, in a flowing sewer system, victims may be carried downstream before being recovered.
After the recoveries, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered a high-level inquiry, sought a report within 24 hours, and suspended several officials over what the government described as possible negligence. The measures were presented by the provincial administration as part of its commitment to accountability.
Media analysts and civil society representatives say the episode underscores the importance of thorough verification before dismissing reports. They argue that early public denials, even when based on preliminary information, can affect public confidence in official communication.
Urban safety advocates note that open and poorly maintained manholes remain a recurring hazard in many Pakistani cities, particularly in densely populated and high-traffic areas. They say the Lahore incident highlights the need for consistent infrastructure maintenance and stronger safety protocols.
Journalists covering the case have emphasized the role of independent reporting in ensuring that official statements are matched against on-the-ground findings. They say continued coverage can help clarify facts as investigations progress.
Observers stress that labeling information as “fake” is most effective when it follows a transparent and comprehensive verification process. They add that public confidence is strengthened when institutions address incidents of human loss with timely information, clear accountability measures, and visible steps aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
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