LAHORE – Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has issued a scathing condemnation following the tragic deaths of a woman and her daughter in a Bhati Gate manhole, labeling the incident “not just an accident, but a crime.”
In a forceful statement that signals a crackdown on administrative negligence, the Chief Minister expressed deep personal grief and outrage over the loss of innocent lives in the heart of the provincial capital.
“An Unpardonable Crime”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that the tragedy has “bowed her head in shame,” emphasizing that the failure to secure public infrastructure is a direct violation of the government’s duty to its citizens.
“The loss of an innocent life in the heart of Lahore is not merely an accident; it is a crime,” the Chief Minister asserted. “Officers who cannot even secure an open manhole have no right to remain in their positions.”
Accountability for the Cover-Up
Beyond the physical negligence, the CM took particular aim at the reports of police and administrative officials attempting to distort facts and harass the grieving family to hide their incompetence.
Failure of Duty: She noted that despite repeated instructions to secure sewage lines, negligence led to this preventable tragedy.
The Cover-Up: She condemned the “regrettable” attempt to suppress the truth and harass the victim’s husband instead of providing support.
Zero Tolerance: The CM declared that the era of “negligent and dishonest officers” in Punjab is over.
Commitment to the Victim’s Family
Addressing the family’s ordeal, Maryam Nawaz promised that the provincial government would act as a shield for the victims. She vowed that the blood of the “two daughters”—referring to the mother and child—would be accounted for.
| CM’s Directives | Key Takeaways |
| Justice | Every responsible officer, regardless of their rank or power, will be punished. |
| Accountability | Distorting facts to hide incompetence will lead to immediate dismissal. |
| Human Life | The value of every human life in Punjab will be upheld as a priority. |
“I will not rest until justice is served,” the Chief Minister concluded. “We will ensure that such an incident never happens again by holding the powerful accountable.”