KARACHI: Rights activists and members of civil society have demanded an immediate end to the “inhumane” practice of sending sanitation workers into sewers for cleaning.

The demand came during a protest outside the Karachi Press Club on Monday. The demonstration was staged to protest against the recent deaths of sanitation workers during cleaning work inside sewers.

The speakers said workers were still being forced to enter deep gutters across Pakistan, and that too without basic safety gear despite orders from the higher judiciary to ensure protection tools.

Speaking on the occasion, occupational health and safety professional Naeem Sadiq said that in civilised societies, humans were not allowed to enter sewers.

Protest held outside KPC against recent deaths of sanitation workers while cleaning manholes

“No Pakistani should be allowed to do this work. A law must be made,” he said, adding that machines should be used instead.

He alleged that despite having machinery, the water utility relied on private contractors rather than its own trained staff. “No chief executive has been punished for such incidents,” he said, demanding registration of cases against senior officials of KWSC, including the head of the utility.

He termed the situation “extreme oppression” and called for increasing the announced compensation to at least Rs10 million per victim instead of Rs1m, irrespective of religion or background.

Representing the Urban Resource Centre, rights activist Zahid Farooq said several recent incidents had claimed lives of sanitation workers, including three members of the same family.

“No action has been taken against any union committee or institution so far,” he said, and added that cleaning staff are routinely asked to enter eight- to 10-foot-deep gutters, often without any protective gear, both during the day and at night.

“This is the responsibility of the KWSC to ensure safety and provide proper tools. But this is not happening,” he said. Referring to compensation, he said the amount had yet to be paid. He also said that compensation remained inadequate and failed to reflect the loss of life.

“These workers suffer from diseases due to such exposure. They are not even respected and are treated as lesser beings,” he said and called for permanent employment and stronger legal protection for them.

He also expressed hope that the judiciary would take up the matter on priority.

The chairman of the Hope and Justice Council, Munawar John, said repeated demands to stop sending workers into sewers had been ignored. “They are being killed. The government has failed to provide them safety kits,” he said.

Another rights activist, Rabia, said sanitation workers risked their lives to ensure cleanliness for society. “Our religion gives great importance to cleanliness, and these workers make that possible,” she said.

She added that saving one life was equal to saving all humanity and urged authorities and society to recognise their dignity and protect their rights.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2026