FOR several months now, the continuous dumping of municipal waste in Islamabad’s sector I-11 has resulted in a persistent foul smell that spreads across the entire locality. This situation has not only made daily living extremely uncomfortable; it has also created serious health concerns for thousands of families residing in the I-10 sector as well.

The open accumulation of garbage, without proper segregation, treatment or disposal, is causing severe air pollution and the spread of insects and disease-carrying pests. Children, the elderly citizens and individuals with respiratory issues are the worst affected, as toxic fumes and unhygienic environment are contributing to allergies, breathing difficulties and other health complications. The problem becomes even more intense during the evening and early morning hours when the stench becomes unbearable.

Despite a number of complaints from concerned citizens, no visible action has been taken by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), or the relevant environ-mental bodies to address the issue. The ad hoc practice of dumping waste in residential surroundings is in violation of basic municipal duties and undermines the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.

The CDA and MCI as well as the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency should immediately relocate the waste-dumping site away from residential areas, introduce proper waste-management mechanisms, ensure daily sanitation, and explore environmentally safe disposal methods, such as composting, recycling as well as engineered landfills.

Regular monitoring and public commu-nication are essential elements to restore the quality of life for the area residents.

Asad Ullah Taimur Muhmand
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2026