Rats-infested Rafiqabad

Rapidly increasing rat infestation in Rafiqabad locality of Liaquatabad, Karachi, has escalated into a serious public health and sanitation crisis. A large number of oversized rats are entering homes and causing significant damage to household belongings, food supplies, electrical wiring and other property. The problem is not confined to individual houses; rats are now frequently seen throughout the streets and surrounding areas of the neighbourhood. The situation has also become increasingly unhygienic because some residents kill the rats and leave their carcasses in public spaces. This creates foul odours and raises serious concerns about sanitation and potential health risks, particularly during rainfall when standing water can spread contamination. The relevant municipal and government authorities should take immediate notice of this issue and arrange an area-wide rodent-control operation in Rafiqabad. Thorough inspections, effective extermination and the safe disposal of dead rats are urgently needed. This is no longer an isolated domestic complaint, but a collective crisis demanding immediate municipal intervention. Bushra Yasmeen Karachi