LAHORE: Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari has expressed deep sorrow and regret over the tragic incident occurring near Data Darbar at Bhati Chowk here, saying the government sincerely apologises to the family of the victim woman and her infant daughter, who lost their lives after falling into an open manhole.

She offered prayers for the departed souls and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, emphasising that such tragedies should never have happened.

In a statement on Friday, the minister acknowledged that a video was initially shared based on incorrect information provided by the relevant departments, which led to confusion.

She said that she never felt reluctant to admit a mistake or apologise, adding that if her resignation could help deliver justice to the affected family, she would be willing to resign. However, she clarified that, in line with the chief minister’s direction, she had no personal fault or direct responsibility for the incident, as the same information which was being circulated to other authorities, was also shared with her.

The minister further stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took notice of the incident, monitored the situation closely, reviewed the victim’s last known location through the Punjab Safe Cities Authority cameras, and questioned the concerned officials, to know the facts.

The CM also convened an emergency meeting to expedite the investigative process and granted the inquiry committee an additional 48 hours to fix responsibility for the incident, Ms Bokhari added.

She noted that preliminary reports suggest certain departments termed the incident “impossible,” creating confusion, while complaints have also surfaced regarding inappropriate behaviour (of police) toward the affected family.

“These allegations are currently under investigation.”

Ms Bokhari asserted that no negligence or administrative failure would be tolerated and that those found responsible for the tragic incident would be brought to justice.

She said the CM maintained a zero-tolerance policy regarding any lapse in the safety of manholes and strict implementation of safety protocols. “If any negligence is proven, no one will be treated with leniency.”

She said that effective monitoring of construction sites is the responsibility of the relevant officers, and any lapse in this regard is unacceptable.

The minister also said that the Punjab government was keen to hold local bodies elections soon to further improve urban governance through the inclusion of elected public representatives.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2026