RAWALPINDI: The divisional administration on Monday asked the district administrations of Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum to ensure anti-dengue surveillance in low-lying areas following recent rains.

Commissioner Abdul Aamer Khattak stated this during a meeting held to review dengue prevention and control measures across the division.

The meeting was attended by Additional Commissioner Coordination Zenyia Humayun, along with heads and representatives of the Health Department, Local Government, Municipal Corporation, Rawalpindi Waste Management Company, Education Department, WASA, Civil Defence and other relevant agencies.

Keeping in view the upcoming monsoon season, the commissioner instructed departments to maintain continuous surveillance of low-lying areas, vacant plots, under-construction buildings, graveyards, tyre shops, scrapyards and other sensitive locations to prevent water accumulation.

During the briefing, participants were informed that only two dengue cases had been reported in Rawalpindi Division from Jan 1, 2026, to date. It was further shared that a total of 5,094,755 households had been inspected across the division during the same period.

Dengue larvae were detected at 49,858 locations, where immediate preventive and eradication measures were undertaken.

The meeting was informed that, as part of the public awareness campaign, 1,671 mosques had been mobilised to disseminate anti-dengue messages.

The commissioner directed authorities to further expand awareness efforts through mosques, educational institutions, social media platforms, local communities and other channels to encourage citizens to adopt preventive measures and maintain cleanliness in and around their homes.

Commissioner Khattak emphasised that all concerned departments must work in complete coordination to eliminate dengue and further strengthen the ongoing anti-dengue campaign.

He directed authorities to take indiscriminate action against those violating dengue Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), warning that negligence or complacency at any level would not be tolerated.

He stressed that stagnant water must be drained immediately after rainfall, as it serves as the primary breeding ground for dengue mosquitoes. Mr Khattak also instructed the health department to ensure the highest standard of medical care for both suspected and confirmed dengue patients.

He directed that hospitals maintain adequate stocks of medicines, diagnostic facilities and bed capacity, while ensuring that no obstacles impede patient treatment.

Furthermore, he directed all departments to submit daily performance reports, identify dengue hotspots, and arrange targeted surveillance and fogging operations in those areas. He also emphasised the need for continuous monitoring of field teams to ensure effective implementation of dengue control activities.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2026