The Lahore High Court has taken up a petition seeking registration of a case against the Punjab Information Minister and action against officials over the tragic deaths of a mother and daughter who fell into an open manhole near Bhati Gate. Justice Syed Shahbaz Raza Rizvi heard the petition, which names the Punjab government, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), and other relevant departments as respondents. The court directed all parties to submit their replies by March 3.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that leaving an open manhole in a densely populated area amounted to gross negligence. He alleged that instead of holding those truly responsible accountable, the government had taken only symbolic measures. The court was told that more than 10,000 manhole covers are stolen annually in Lahore, yet no effective preventive steps have been taken.