In Lahore, the body of a woman who fell into a sewer line near Bhati Gate has been recovered from Outfall Road, approximately three kilometers away, while the search operation for her nine-month-old baby is still underway. The incident has sparked widespread concern across the city.
According to details, the affected family had come to Lahore for sightseeing and visited Minar-e-Pakistan before heading to Data Darbar. During the visit, the woman and her infant sat on the edge of a sewer line, from where both reportedly fell inside, prompting immediate rescue efforts.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and formed an inquiry committee under the supervision of the Additional Chief Secretary. The committee has been directed to complete its investigation and submit a report within 24 hours.
On the chief minister’s instructions, Director TEPA Shabbir Hussain has been suspended, while Project Director Zahid Abbas and Deputy Director Shabbir Ahmed have also been suspended for negligence and failure to perform their duties.
Before the recovery of the woman’s body, rescue sources had stated that it was technically impossible for a person to drown in the sewer hole where the incident was initially reported. According to the sources, the location identified was near the Bird Market, close to Data Darbar.
Rescue officials said that excavation work had already been carried out at the site by the administration and that the area was dark at the time of the incident. They added that specialized Rescue 1122 teams and divers reached the scene within minutes.
Meanwhile, Lahore administration officials stated that an inspection of the sewer line was conducted and that no evidence of an accident was found at the location during the initial assessment.
Earlier, the missing woman’s father told police that his daughter had been murdered, following which three individuals, including the woman’s husband, were taken into custody. However, they were later released due to a lack of evidence.
