The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Monday sought a detailed response from the government regarding increasing deaths and health risks caused by rat bites in Peshawar and surrounding areas.
The case was heard by a two-member bench comprising Justice Waqar Ahmad and Justice Babar Sattar during proceedings on a public interest petition related to public health concerns.
During the hearing, petitioner Saifullah Mohib Kakakhel informed the court that several families have suffered mental trauma and hardship due to repeated rat attacks, while a number of children have reportedly lost their lives. Newspaper reports, public complaints and related documents were also presented before the court to highlight the seriousness of the situation.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that the issue is not limited to a few individuals but is a serious humanitarian and public health matter affecting society at large. The court was requested to direct the relevant authorities to take immediate and effective measures to protect citizens, especially children, from further harm.
Justice Waqar Ahmad remarked during the hearing that dangerous diseases such as Hantavirus are also spreading through rats, making the matter even more alarming and sensitive.
Declaring the issue a matter of grave public health concern, the court ordered the authorities and respondents to submit a detailed reply within two weeks. The court also directed its office to schedule the next hearing for June 15, 2026.
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