A local court in Karachi has ordered the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and District Municipal Corporation (DMC) Central to pay Rs9.9 million in compensation. This ruling follows the tragic Shadman Nala incident in 2022.
The court found KMC and DMC responsible for the deaths of a woman and her two-month-old son. They fell into an open drain during heavy rains. The victims were riding a motorcycle when they were swept into the nala due to alleged negligence by the authorities.
The family’s lawyer told the court the incident caused the death of his client’s wife and infant son, Azlan. The infant’s body was never recovered. Under the Fatal Accidents Act, the lawyer argued the family was entitled to compensation.
Senior Civil Judge Zaheer Hussain Mangi stated that maintaining sewerage systems and ensuring public safety are legal responsibilities of KMC and DMC. The judge observed that the incident occurred due to negligence by the municipal authorities.
The court ordered KMC and DMC Central to pay a total compensation of Rs9.9 million to the bereaved family. This decision highlights the need for better maintenance and safety measures in Karachi’s public infrastructure.
KMC, as the main civic body of Karachi, faces increasing pressure to improve its management of drains and public safety systems. This ruling sends a strong message that negligence by KMC can lead to serious consequences.
The case may encourage KMC to review and upgrade its sewerage and drainage systems. Proper maintenance could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This compensation order emphasizes accountability and responsibility of KMC towards the citizens of Karachi. It also reflects the importance of prompt action in maintaining public safety across the city.
With this verdict, the court aims to ensure that KMC and other civic bodies take their duties seriously to protect public life.
