THE residents of DHA Phase 1, especially Street 20 and 9th Staff Lane, have become hostage to stray dogs. Motorcyclists are attacked, passers-by are chased, women cannot stroll around, and children cannot play outside due to fear. A number of complaints have been filed with the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) and the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) by area residents, but nobody is willing to pay heed to such concerns.

The situation is getting worse by the day, especially because a couple of elderly individuals have been feeding the stray animals, showing no concern regarding the safety of entire neighbour-hoods. There are NGOs that create a fuss when CBC tries to relocate stray animals, but this is the only solution to this problem. Rabies cases are reported on a daily basis.

Human life is precious and should be treated as such. The NGOs can take the stray animals away to wherever they want. They should not interfere in this matter, and let the CBC and DHA perform their official duties so that the residents may again live peacefully with their families.

Name withheld on request
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2026