By Our Correspondent
The deaths of a woman and her child after falling into an open sewer near Lahore’s Bhatti Gate have intensified demands for accountability across law enforcement and civic agencies, as allegations of police mistreatment of the victims’ family come under scrutiny.
Speaking to local media, the victim’s husband, Ghulam Murtaza, alleged that senior police officers subjected him and his cousin to physical and verbal abuse after he reported the incident. He claimed he was pressured to confess to harming his family—an allegation police have not publicly confirmed. Officials have said the matter is under inquiry.
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Human rights advocates and civil society groups argue that the case highlights two systemic failures: unsafe infrastructure and the treatment of citizens by law enforcement during traumatic situations. “Such allegations are serious that would point to serious violations of procedure and basic rights,” said a Lahore-based legal analyst, calling for an independent investigation.
Urban safety campaigners have also questioned the role of municipal and emergency response agencies, noting that open manholes and delayed rescue efforts pose ongoing risks in densely populated areas.
They are urging the provincial government to review oversight mechanisms within the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and Rescue 1122, alongside police conduct.
While acknowledging the Punjab government’s recent efforts to improve public services, commentators say this case could become a benchmark for institutional accountability. Civil society groups and human rights advocates are demanding the immediate dismissal and arrest of the police officers, WASA MD Ghufran Ahmed, and Rescue 1122’s Shahid Waheed for their role in the tragedy. They were of the view that amid the hue and cry of ‘fake news’ the recue process of the mother and daughter lost the momentum that contributed to the maximum damage. “Leadership is tested not only by policy initiatives but by how swiftly and transparently it responds when citizens allege abuse and negligence,” said a governance expert.
Officials from the Lahore police and provincial authorities have stated that internal reviews are underway and that findings will be shared once inquiries are completed. Legal experts stress that due process must be followed, with any disciplinary action grounded in verified evidence and in line with Pakistan’s legal and regulatory frameworks, including media and cyber laws governing public reporting.
For the bereaved family, the focus remains on justice. For the broader public, the case has reopened a critical debate: whether Pakistan’s institutions can ensure both public safety and the fair treatment of citizens in moments of crisis.
