Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has apologised for sharing the wrong report regarding the Bhati Gate manhole tragedy where a mother along with her 10-month-old child lost their lives after they fell into a sewerage line.
Azma Bokhari admitted that the information that she initially distributed was based on misinformation provided by an employee of Rescue 1122. She said that she was not at the site of the accident and depended on the details sent to her by a Rescue 1122 employee, Shahid Waheed.
According to the minister, the employee had sent her a video of the location and said that the space was too small for anyone to fall into.
He reportedly told her even if someone had fallen it was impossible for them to be swept further as the level and depth of the water was minimal. Based on this account, Bokhari passed on the information to the media without verifying the accuracy of the information.
She admitted this was a great mistake on her part and she should have verified the facts before publicising them. “I am ready for any punishment for this sin,” Bokhari said speaking about the blunder.
She also said that she had informed Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz about her willingness to resign her position if it would help in ensuring justice for the family of the victims or contribute to the responsible resolution of the matter.
The minister once again stressed accountability and said that she accepts full responsibility for the spread of unverified information and that she deeply regrets the distress experienced over the incident.
The body of Rida Fatima 10 months old was finally recovered from the sewer after 18 hours confirmed Rescue 1122 after the tragic accident of mother and daughter fell in the sewerage line near Bhati Gate Lahore.
Rescue operations resulted in recovery of mother’s body after six hours but the baby girl Rida Fatima was not recovered for 18 hours despite continuous search operations.
Also read: Lahore: Body of 10 month old Rida Fatima recovered from sewer, confirms Rescue 1122
