The Punjab government has announced a new law imposing severe penalties for the theft and illegal trade of manhole covers, following a tragic incident where a woman and her 10-month-old child died after falling into an uncovered sewer near Lahore's Bhati Gate. According to ProPakistani, the legislation, introduced by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, will enforce prison sentences ranging from one to ten years and heavy fines in cases leading to fatalities. This move aims to prevent similar accidents and enhance public safety by deterring the theft of manhole covers, which has been linked to several accidents across the province. The incident has sparked public outrage and calls for accountability, with the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking responses from the Punjab government and other parties involved. As reported by Dawn, the court has issued notices to the government and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), demanding answers by March 3, 2026, regarding the negligence that led to the deaths.