The recurring manhole tragedies across Pakistan are not isolated accidents; rather, they are grim manifestations of a chronic failure in governance, most notably the absence of a functional and empowered local government system. These incidents starkly expose the hollow nature of democratic claims in a country where the most basic civic services remain neglected. Across the world, particularly in developed democracies, local governments serve as the backbone of service delivery, ensuring sanitation, safety, and municipal management at the grassroots level. Regrettably, Pakistan continues to operate without this vital third tier of governance.
Local government has long remained a question mark on the face of Pakistan’s democracy. Ironically, political parties that proudly present themselves as champions of democratic values appear deeply distrustful of their own lower political cadres. Their reluctance to devolve power stems from a fear of losing control, authority, and political patronage. As a result, decision-making remains centralised, while local problems such as uncovered manholes go unaddressed, often with fatal consequences.
For decades, Pakistan has largely been governed without the effective implementation of local governments, despite this being a constitutional obligation under Article 140A of the Constitution of Pakistan. Historically, local government elections were more frequently conducted under military regimes, not out of a commitment to democracy, but as a compulsion to legitimise their unconstitutional rule. In contrast, civilian governments have rarely held local body elections voluntarily. Whenever such elections have taken place, they were typically the result of judicial pressure, particularly directives from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, rather than political will.
The historical importance of local government is well established. Over a century ago, Lord Ripon—often regarded as a democratic reformer of British India introduced local self-governance and famously described it as the “school” or “nursery of democracy.” Despite this widely acknowledged democratic principle, successive civilian governments in Pakistan, irrespective of party affiliation, have consistently undermined or delayed the establishment of local governments.
A manhole cover may cost merely a few thousand rupees, yet after a child dies due to governmental negligence, politicians rush to the bereaved families with compensation cheques worth two to three million rupees
The consequences of this neglect are painfully evident. Recent tragic incidents in Karachi, where innocent children fell into open manholes and lost their lives, are glaring examples of misgovernance—indeed, of the complete absence of governance. Local governments are specifically designed to address such issues by providing essential municipal services at citizens’ doorsteps. Their non-existence leaves urban infrastructure unattended and public safety compromised.
One of the most disturbing aspects of these tragedies is the sheer absurdity of state priorities. A manhole cover may cost merely a few thousand rupees, yet after a child dies due to governmental negligence, politicians rush to the bereaved families with compensation cheques worth two to three million rupees. While such monetary compensation can never replace a lost life, it highlights the reactive and insensitive nature of governance. If authorities exercised foresight, vigilance, and genuine concern for their citizens, the same funds could be used to repair or upgrade thousands of manholes across cities, thereby preventing such tragedies altogether.
It is also worth noting that these fatal incidents disproportionately affect the poor and marginalised sections of society—those who enthusiastically exercise their right to vote. In contrast, affluent and posh localities rarely face such hazards, as they are either maintained by private housing societies or benefit from preferential treatment due to bureaucratic and political connections. This stark disparity underscores the deep-rooted inequality embedded within the governance structure.
In light of these realities, it is imperative that provincial governments immediately prioritise the conduct of local bodies’ elections, in compliance with their constitutional duty under Article 140A. Notably, this provision was introduced with great enthusiasm through the 18th Constitutional Amendment in 2010, yet remains largely unimplemented in both letter and spirit. Additionally, while legislative measures such as the proposed manhole-related legislation reportedly being considered by the Punjab Government may serve as a positive initial step, legislation alone cannot substitute for robust institutions.
Sustainable solutions require empowered local governments with administrative authority, financial autonomy, and accountability mechanisms. Until such reforms are realised, it is also an unfortunate reality that ordinary citizens, particularly the poor, must remain vigilant and take extraordinary precautions to protect their children from preventable dangers created by state negligence. However, this should never absolve the government of its primary responsibility: safeguarding the lives and dignity of its people.