PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court on Monday sought a detailed response from the government regarding the 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 had suffered mental trauma and hardship due to repeated rat attacks, while a number of children had reportedly lost their lives.

The petitioners’ counsel argued that the issue was not limited to a few individuals but was 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 that dangerous diseases such as Hantavirus were 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.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2026