Rat attacks surge in Peshawar amid worsening infestation

A severe rat infestation has become a growing public health issue in Peshawar. Residents in several neighbourhoods are facing daily rat attacks, especially

A severe rat infestation has become a growing public health issue in Peshawar. Residents in several neighbourhoods are facing daily rat attacks, especially during the night.

An 11-year-old boy was recently bitten while sleeping in the Gunj Gate area. The incident has raised fresh concerns among local families about safety inside their homes. Similar complaints are being reported from areas including Kohati Gate, Qissa Khwani, Lahori Gate, Yakatoot, and Chamkani.

People say the situation is worsening due to poor sanitation. Overflowing garbage, blocked drains, and lack of proper pest control have allowed the rat population to grow rapidly. In many cases, rats are entering houses through sewer lines.

Health facilities in the city are receiving a large number of bite cases. Lady Reading Hospital alone reports around 900 rat-bite cases every month. Over the past three months, nearly 3,000 patients have been treated there, mostly children under 15 years of age.

Other hospitals, including Khyber Teaching Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex, are also treating similar cases. Most patients require immediate vaccination after being bitten.

Doctors say rat bites are usually not life-threatening if treated on time. However, they can become serious if infections develop or if sensitive body parts are affected.

Local officials say anti-rat campaigns have been carried out in some areas. However, they admit these efforts provide only short-term relief. Rats continue to return from nearby localities due to weak and inconsistent control measures.

Authorities had earlier prepared a long-term pest control plan, but it has not yet been implemented. As a result, the infestation continues to spread, and residents are demanding urgent and lasting action.