In Rawalpindi’s crowded Jhanda Chichi neighbourhood, residents are increasingly alarmed as wild boars have begun wandering the streets and alleys, especially after sunset. These animals have reportedly attacked children, women, and pedestrians, leading to growing safety concerns.
The boars feed on household waste discarded in vacant plots, graveyards, and narrow lanes. Witness Malik Shehbaz Latif said the animals migrated from Ayub Park via Nullah Leh and now reside in the dense vegetation of the old graveyard nearby.
Despite stray dogs barking at the boars, they avoid direct confrontation. Residents fear the wild pig population could rise sharply if no control measures are taken soon.
Beyond wildlife issues, the neighbourhood’s 70,000 residents continue to suffer from severe civic problems. They have been without clean drinking water for two months despite numerous complaints, and exposed low-hanging power lines pose electrocution hazards. A recent electrocution incident was reported in the area.
Local community members including Malik Shehbaz, Sharif Qureshi, and Arif Shah have appealed to the district authorities and Civil Defence to take immediate steps to protect residents and resolve these ongoing issues.