Abrar Ahmed Jaffar appointed as Municipal Commissioner of Karachi, one of the city’s most significant positions
Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab speaking to media outside the Supreme Court Karachi Registry. Photo: File
KARACHI:
Nearly four months after a young boy, Ibrahim, died after falling into an open manhole at Nipa Chowrangi, the Sindh government has appointed a senior officer – earlier removed in the wake of the tragedy – to a key municipal post, drawing concern from civic circles.
On November 30, 2025, Ibrahim lost his life after plunging into an uncovered manhole. His body was recovered 14 hours later, sparking widespread outrage and sharp criticism of the Sindh government and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
In the immediate aftermath, the Sindh government removed SSP East, the Deputy Commissioner East Abrar Ahmed Jaffar, the Assistant Commissioner Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and the Mukhtiarkar from their posts. A Gulshan Town officer and the Senior Director of Municipal Services were also suspended. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the grieving family and apologised, while authorities assured a formal inquiry.
However, the responsibility for the open manhole has yet to be fixed, and it remains unclear whose negligence led to Ibrahim’s death.
In a recent development, Abrar Ahmed Jaffar – who had been removed as Deputy Commissioner East – has been appointed Municipal Commissioner of Karachi, one of the city’s most significant administrative positions. The move has prompted expressions of concern and surprise from sections of civil society, particularly as other suspended officials have not yet been reinstated.
Critics point out that at the time of the incident, the then deputy commissioner did not reach the site despite the tense situation that unfolded following the child’s fall, raising further questions about accountability in the case.
