BAHAWALNAGAR: Two sanitary workers died from inhaling poisonous gases, and a third remains in critical condition after cleaning a manhole in Chishtian on Saturday.
The victims—Shafiq, Irfan, and Afzal—were employees of the Chishtian Municipal Committee (MC). They entered a manhole in Mahboob Colony to clear a blocked sewer pipe. Inside, toxic gases overcame them, reportedly because they lacked proper safety measures and equipment.
Family members accused Rescue 1122 of a delayed response, alleging that Shafiq and Irfan succumbed to the gases and were later washed away in the pipeline due to negligence. The third worker was rescued by locals and taken to Chishtian THQ Hospital before being transferred to Bahawal Victoria Hospital.
Rescue 1122 Incharge Rao Sharafat said his team arrived within four minutes of the call. He explained that the manhole—only two and a half feet wide, 30 feet deep, and filled with toxic gases—required safety precautions before entry, which could not be done instantly.
Efforts to obtain comment from the Chishtian MC Chief Officer and the assistant commissioner were unsuccessful. MC sources confirmed to Dawn that MC Sanitary Incharge Tariq has been suspended and a departmental inquiry launched.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken notice of the incident and directed relevant authorities to submit a report.
Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2026
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