WHILE Karak is believed to be producing uranium, the government does not have any testing facilities to test the uranium level in drinking water that is supplied to the locals. This is a serious gap in public health infrastructure. Citizens of the area have no idea whether the water is safe or unsafe for drinking purposes. The rising number of cancer patients in the area, however, is making people worried, and rightly so. From blood and bone cancers to kidney failure, there are several diseases that have become common and are linked to counsumption of contaminated drinking water.
The people of Karak have the right to have healthcare centres with chemotherapy facilities. Currently, the closest to them are a few facilities in Bannu, which is more than 50km away. People affected by cancer are facing problems travelling long distances for their treatment.
There is no filtration system in the affected areas. There is an urgent requirement for filtration plants because the residents have no other option except drinking unsafe and untreated water. Drinking clean water is the basic right of Karak residents. Federal and provincial governments need to take quick action, provide adequate treatment facilities in the area, and order water testing without any further delay.
ARBAB UR REHMAN
KARAK
Drinking danger daily
