NAROWAL: The city has been overrun by five wild monkeys since Aug 26, forcing people to remain indoors out of fear.

Khwaja Muhammad Arshad and Tariq Mahmood, residents of Usmanganj, Narowal, stated that these wild intruders have caused panic among the citizens.

The monkeys have been seen jumping across rooftops and wandering through neighbourhoods of Usmanganj, Loharan, Farooq Ganj, Afzalpura and near the Pakistan Foundation School.

Mr Arshad said several calls were made to the wildlife department to capture the monkeys, but no response was received.

Another resident, Rizwan Butt, said these monkeys damaged the items left on rooftops. Women are keeping their children indoors out of fear of these wild animals.

A week ago, a resident of Zafarwal was seriously injured in a monkey attack.

Nawaz Kasab said his family was on their rooftop when a large monkey appeared, causing the children and women to scream in terror.

Asim Bashir said there was no forest near Narowal city, suggesting that these monkeys may have been displaced by floods in the River Ravi and nearby rainwater drains.

Rescue 1122 confirmed receiving a call about the wild monkeys but said they had disappeared onto the roofs of closed houses before the rescue team arrived.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Hasan Raza said rescue teams responded promptly and that the relevant department had been alerted to capture the monkeys.

The residents have urged the chief minister to take notice of the situation.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2024