Stray Dogs Turn Islamabad Streets into a Daily Fear Zone

APP

Islamabad: For many residents of the capital, stepping outside their homes has become a test of courage. In sectors G-9/4, G-13/4, I-10, G-7, G-8, I-9, E-11, and Barakahu, packs of stray dogs prowl the streets, leaving citizens anxious and fearful about their safety.

What was once an occasional sight has now grown into an everyday menace. Families say venturing out after dark has become risky, while even routine activities like walking to the market or sending children to parks are turning into stressful experiences.

“We are living like prisoners in our own homes,” lamented Amina, a resident of G-8/1. She recalled how her children once loved to play in a nearby park but stopped after she saw nearly 20 stray dogs there one evening. “Children need physical activity, but stray dogs have made it impossible. I fear for their safety.”

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Others share the same anxiety. Javed Ali, from G-9/4, said the rising number of stray dogs has made it difficult for him to even take a walk. “Every time we open our gates, we risk being chased or attacked,” he said, adding that several neighbors had already suffered dog bites.

The menace is not limited to fear alone—it is also impacting daily life and public health. Residents worry about rabies and other infections, and many have called for urgent intervention by authorities.

Suggestions from the community include building dedicated dog shelters on the outskirts of the city, running vaccination drives, and conducting awareness campaigns about safe coexistence.

Officials at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) acknowledge the growing problem. A CDA representative said that special teams have been tasked to conduct surveys across different sectors and a 24-hour emergency helpline has been proposed for reporting aggressive or rabid dogs. “We are working on a comprehensive plan to control the stray dog population and ensure a safer environment for residents,” the official said.

For now, however, the fear continues to grip many households in Islamabad. Until a long-term strategy is implemented, the city’s residents remain caught between the desire for safe streets and the need for humane solutions to the stray dog crisis.