SAHIWAL: A 16-year-old girl was rescued by passersby after she accidentally fell into an open manhole in Qaboola Bazaar, Tehsil Arifwala, on Sunday evening.

Reports said Amina was on her way to the bazaar when she suddenly slipped into the uncovered manhole having diameter of 12 inches. Her cries for help immediately drew the attention of nearby pedestrians, who managed to pull her out after nearly 20 minutes of effort on a self-help basis. The girl was rescued before arrival of Recue 1122 team.

Assistant Commissioner Arifwala Rai Faisal said the municipal staff had opened the manhole as part of a cleanliness drive in the main bazaar, which led to the accident. He confirmed that the girl was safely recovered through the efforts of the local population. The girl’s father Zulfiqar, who rushed to the spot, declined to lodge a formal complaint, confirming that she was unharmed.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2026